5 Fast-Growing Shrubs That Make A Difference By Fall

Whether you’re looking to block a neighbor’s view, muffle road noise, or simply create a lush green backdrop in your yard, the right privacy bushes can transform your outdoor space. For Pennsylvania homeowners, the challenge is finding plants that not only grow quickly but also survive our cold winters, humid summers, and everything in between.

The good news? There are some outstanding privacy bushes Pennsylvania options that check every box. Here are five fast-growing shrubs and privacy bushes that thrive in Pennsylvania and can give your yard the screening, structure, and beauty you’re looking for.

 

1. Viburnum

If you want a privacy shrub that does it all (beauty, wildlife value, and fast growth) Viburnum should be near the top of your list. This versatile native-friendly shrub puts on 1–2 feet of new growth each year and can reach heights of 6–12 feet depending on the variety, making it ideal for hedges and screens.

Viburnum blooms with clusters of white or pink flowers in spring, followed by berries that attract birds through fall and winter. Its dense branching habit provides excellent year-round privacy even after the leaves drop. Better yet, many Viburnum varieties are well-suited to Pennsylvania’s hardiness zones and tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Best for: Mixed borders, naturalized areas, wildlife-friendly hedges Mature height: 6–12 feet (varies by variety) Bonus: Attractive fall foliage and bird-friendly berries

2. Juniper

When it comes to evergreen privacy screens, Juniper is a Pennsylvania classic. This tough, adaptable conifer keeps its color year-round, grows steadily without much fuss, and is highly deer-tolerant, which is a major plus for PA homeowners in suburban and rural areas.

Upright columnar varieties like Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’ or Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’ are especially popular for privacy hedges, reaching 15–20 feet tall while staying relatively narrow. Juniper is also drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun, making it a low-maintenance workhorse for tricky spots in the yard.

Best for: Evergreen privacy screens, windbreaks, slopes Mature height: 10–20 feet (columnar varieties) Bonus: Deer resistant and drought tolerant once established

3. Pinus Mugo (Mugo Pine)

Don’t let the word “pine” fool you into thinking this is a towering tree. Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) is a compact, mounding evergreen shrub that’s perfectly suited for smaller spaces, foundation plantings, or the front row of a mixed privacy screen. It typically grows 4–8 feet tall and wide, with a dense, globe-like form that provides excellent year-round coverage.

Mugo Pine is one of the hardiest evergreens you can plant in Pennsylvania, tolerating cold, wind, and poor soils with ease. Its rich green needles hold their color through even the harshest winters. While it grows more slowly than some of the other shrubs on this list, its durability and low maintenance requirements make it an outstanding long-term investment.

Best for: Foundation plantings, borders, front-of-hedge layering Mature height: 4–8 feet Bonus: Extremely cold-hardy and virtually pest-free

4. Japanese Willow (Salix integra)

For homeowners who want fast results and eye-catching color, Japanese Willow delivers. Known for its brilliant pink, white, and green variegated foliage (especially the popular ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ variety), this shrub can grow 3–6 feet per year under the right conditions, making it one of the fastest options on this list.

Japanese Willow thrives in moist areas and it’s a great choice for rain gardens, low-lying spots, or areas near ponds where other shrubs might struggle. Its graceful, arching branches and colorful foliage add a soft, airy texture to privacy plantings. While it is deciduous (loses its leaves in winter), its rapid growth means you’ll have a lush, full screen by mid-summer.

Best for: Wet areas, rain gardens, fast seasonal screening Mature height: 4–6 feet Bonus: Stunning variegated foliage; thrives in moist or wet soils

5. Buckthorn

When privacy is the priority and you want results now, Buckthorn (Rhamnus) is one of the fastest and densest-growing shrubs available for Pennsylvania landscapes. It’s a favorite for tight, formal hedges because it tolerates heavy pruning, fills in quickly, and maintains a thick, impenetrable wall of greenery.

Common Buckthorn and glossy Buckthorn both establish quickly and adapt to a wide range of soil types and light conditions, from full sun to part shade. It’s also highly tolerant of urban conditions, making it a smart pick for yards near roads or areas with compacted soil. Planted in a row and trimmed to shape, Buckthorn creates a refined, formal privacy screen that rivals any fence.

Best for: Formal hedges, dense privacy screens, urban yards Mature height: 10–15 feet (easily pruned to any height) Bonus: Extremely adaptable; tolerates poor soils and urban conditions

Ready to Plant? We Can Help.

 

Every yard is different, and choosing the right combination of shrubs depends on your soil, sun exposure, spacing, and privacy goals. Whether you want a fast-growing evergreen screen, a mixed flowering hedge, or a low-maintenance border, our team at Bedner’s is here to help you make the best choice for your property.

🌿 Browse our current shrub inventory: shop.bednersgreenhouse.com/dept/39/shrubs

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Stop in and see what’s in stock! We have fresh shipments arriving regularly, and our team is always happy to walk you through your options in person.