Privacy shrubs are used to develop a privacy screen, bordering your backyard or front yard. Shrubs are sometimes an essential feature in the urban scenario, if you want to deal with your prying neighbors. This article will list some good options for you in terms of which shrubs to plant.

Privacy fences or screens can be either hardscape or softscape. Hardscape refers to concrete wall, wooden, or vinyl fencing. Softscape fence, on the other hand, involves a 'living wall', which is developed from plants, especially shrubs. They give a distinct look to the house, a beautiful green contour to the surroundings, and fresh air. Shrubs are very common and the best option for a privacy fence. Listed below are some of their varieties and specific characteristics.

Fast Growing Shrubs

Nikko Blue Hydrangea
The most common of the Hydrangea varieties, this shrub has bold, blue flower heads that are round in shape. It is a good choice for hedges as the plant has large leaves, often tapering to a point. This plant grows up to 12 feet wide and 12 feet tall. It is easy to prune as well.

Forsythia
It is a deciduous plant, with bright yellow petals. Primarily a native of Asia, there is one species which you can find originating in Southern Europe. If not pruned, it can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

Redtwig Dogwood
A native of Western and Northern America, it is basically a tall shrub. Its unique aspect is that its twigs are dark red, while the leaves are green. It is a fantastic choice on account of its color combination, as well as rate of growth. It grows up to 8 feet tall and spreads proportionally.

Dwarf Pink Almond
This is another delightful deciduous plant which grows double pink blossoms. It grows considerably fast (up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide). But pruning is essential after every annual bloom.

Evergreen Shrubs

Irish Juniper
Loved by most gardening enthusiasts, it is a dense evergreen plant with a columnar form. It has a lovely bluish color and can grow up to 12 feet in height.

Little Red Holly
A compact nature combined with a dense growth is what a little red holly is all about. It is best to use in places where you do not need a very tall fence. It does not have a fast growth rate, but it is evergreen. It's suitable for sculpting as well.

Red Tip Photinia
This is an evergreen shrub which does not lose its leaves in winter, but rather gets new red-colored ones. This gives a fantastic hue to the landscape. It has a dense growth as well.

Emerald Arborvitae
It is a good choice, when spending a lot of money on maintenance is an issue. It can grow around 15 to 20 feet tall, and 4 to 6 feet wide. It has a narrow and upright form.

Sweet Olive
With dense branches and broad leaves, the evergreen sweet olive is one unique species. An apricot fragrance is produced by its tiny white blooms.

Deodar cedar, cherry laurel, leyland cypress, sweet viburnum, Chinese Privet, American Cranberry, Northern Bayberry, etc., can also work well as privacy shrubs.