14 Best Bushes for Privacy (That Actually Look Good Too)

Alright, let’s talk privacy screens—but make it green. Whether you’re trying to block out the neighbor’s trampoline, create a quiet space on the patio, or just stop the dog next door from staring deep into your soul… shrubs are the unsung heroes.

Forget those harsh fences—nothing softens a space like a leafy wall that’s alive, blooming, and maybe even buzzing with bees.

As Garden Design notes, “Using shrubs to create privacy adds a living element that a fence or wall can’t offer. Hedging can be used to create intimacy, define garden rooms, or block out unsightly views.”

Let’s dig into 14 of the best bushes that’ll turn your yard into your own little hideaway—whether you’re in Florida, California, or up in Michigan watching the seasons do their thing.

1. Viburnum

An absolute privacy all-star. Viburnums grow fast, bush out thick, and many bloom like mad in spring. ‘Sweet Viburnum’ and ‘Chindo Viburnum’ are top picks—tall, lush, and perfect for hedging.

Best for: Mild to warm zones (think Southeast, Southwest, and coastal spots).

2. Boxwood

Your classic neat-and-tidy hedge. Boxwoods are slow to grow, but they shape beautifully. Great for low screens or formal gardens. If you’re a bit extra and love symmetry—this is your plant.

US Bonus: English boxwood suits cooler zones, while American boxwood can handle heat better.

3. Pittosporum

Not as common in the States, but gaining fans—especially in California and the Pacific Coast. ‘Silver Sheen’ pittosporum has gorgeous silvery leaves and gets tall fast.

Best in: USDA Zones 8–11. Does well with dry spells and salty air too.

4. Ligustrum (Privet)

Fast-growing and super dense—Ligustrum japonicum or ‘Texanum’ is a favourite in Texas and the South. It’ll give you privacy in just a season or two. Just keep it trimmed unless you want the yard swallowed whole.

Warning: Some types are invasive in parts of the U.S., so always check your local nursery’s advice.

5. Camellia

Flowering privacy? Yes, please. Camellias are evergreen, glossy, and offer jaw-dropping blooms in winter or spring. ‘Sasanqua’ varieties grow a bit faster and taller—great for screening.

Best in: The South, Mid-Atlantic, and coastal West—Zones 7–9.

6. Photinia

Recognize it by the red tips on new growth. Fast, flashy, and hardy—especially ‘Red Tip Photinia’. It grows tall and thick and handles all sorts of conditions.

Hot Tip: Give it airflow and space to avoid leaf spot.

7. Laurel (Cherry or Portuguese)

If you want something that feels lush, almost tropical, cherry laurel’s your pal. Fast-growing and super hardy, especially ‘Schipkaensis’ and ‘Otto Luyken’ varieties.

As Tammy Sons of TN Nursery explains, “Schip laurel is a compact, evergreen shrub that thrives in partial shade and sun. Highly versatile, it grows to heights of 10-14 feet, making it perfect for privacy.”

Zones: Most types suit Zones 6–9.

8. Clumping Bamboo

Don’t panic—this isn’t the horror story kind that invades your neighbor’s pool. Clumping bamboo like ‘Alphonse Karr’ or ‘Graceful’ stays in place and rockets up fast.

Good for: California, Southern states, and modern backyard designs.

9. Mock Orange (Philadelphus)

Smells like orange blossoms without the fruit. These make a romantic, flowering hedge and grow well in most parts of the U.S. Not evergreen, but thick when in season.

Zones: 4–8. Great for seasonal coverage.

10. Grevillea

For the West Coast crowd—especially SoCal and Arizona—Grevillea is a dry-climate champ. These Aussie natives are evergreen, fast, and flower like mad.

Best in: Zones 9–11. Loves hot, dry spots.

11. Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)

Yup, it grows fruit and keeps out the looky-loos. Evergreen and tidy, Feijoas grow fast with a little love and are drought-tolerant too.

Best in: USDA Zones 8–10.

12. Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)

This one’s ideal for suburban screening—sturdy, glossy, evergreen. It handles shearing well, which is great if you’re into shaping it up.

Grows best in: Zones 7–10.

13. Hebe

More compact than others, but a beaut if you’re layering a privacy design. Hebes are tidy, evergreen, and flower in bursts—great near the front yard or as a softener below taller screens.

Zones: Best in 7–10, depending on the variety.

14. Escallonia

Underrated and super reliable. Evergreen, with red, white, or pink blooms, and tidy growth. Ideal along coastal gardens or as a border hedge.

Zones: 8–10. Handles salt spray and drought like a pro.

Final Thoughts (and Maybe a Lemonade)

So yeah, fences are fine, but let’s be honest—they don’t give you butterflies and spring blossoms or edible fruit. Shrubs do it all. Whether you’re trying to screen off a road, block an awkward view, or just make a space that feels like yours… these bushes will do the job without feeling like you’re building a fortress.

Pick the ones that suit your zone, think about whether you want flowers, fruit, birds, or just dense coverage—and plant away.

References

1. 15 Best Privacy Shrubs for Your Garden – Garden Design
2. Best shrubs for privacy: the top 10 varieties – Homes and Gardens
3. Top 8 Plants for Privacy & Screening – Hicks Nurseries
4. Best Shrubs to Create Privacy in a Backyard – The Landscape Library
5. The 15 Best Trees and Shrubs to Grow for Backyard Privacy – Bob Vila
6. The Best Trees and Shrubs for Privacy – Legendary Landscaping
7. Privacy Trees for Sale – FastGrowingTrees.com
8. 2025 Privacy Hedges Cost – HomeGuide
9. Selecting the best Arizona plants for your privacy in 2025 – KTAR
10. Best Shrubs and Trees for Privacy and Curb Appeal – NHC