Sometimes, you have to plant a privacy screen fast. Whether you have just built a fence that the neighbors think is unsightly or your neighbor has just built a shrine to aliens, sometimes you just need plants that grow fast and can block the view. You have many options available to you if you are wondering what to what to plant for privacy.

Plants That Mature Fast

Bamboo –  A fast growing plant that makes a great privacy screen is bamboo. This tall ornamental grass comes in a variety of species, one of which will fit your needs. Be careful though, some varieties of bamboo can be invasive and must be planted with this in mind.

 

Thuja or arborvitae – This evergreen tree is a popular option when it comes to what to plant for privacy. Arborvitae can grow literally several feet a year and many species grow in a tightly confined space, which means several of them can be planted close to each other without a problem.

Cypress – Cypress and Thuja are often confused with one another due to the fact that they look very similar and are both fast growing plants, but they are not related. Cypress also grows very tall and narrow, meaning it can be planted close together to as a privacy screen.

Ivy, Clematis or Hops – If you are trying to cover a fence quickly, you have many vine options available to you. Some vining plants that grow fast are ivy, clematis or hops. These plants will quickly cover a fence and provide privacy.

Rose of Sharon – Not only can you plant a privacy screen with a Rose of Sharon, but it will provide you with plenty of lovely flowers in the summer. The plant grows lush and tall in the summer and loses its leaves in the winter, making it a nice plant if summer only privacy is needed.

Plants that mature fast can be a boon to a gardener trying to figure out what to plant for privacy. Fast growing plants will add privacy to your yard as well as an added green feature.