Viburnum flowers plant

Create a fast-growing privacy screen with viburnum. “Different varieties and species offer stunning visual appeal, whether through vibrant flowers, attractive fall foliage, or the shifting colors of new foliage growth," says Jim Putnam, plant expert for Southern Living Plant Collection. "Viburnum is a real showstopper, especially if you plant it in a sunny spot where the new leaves can put on their best color."

Plum Pine Plants

Plum pine (Podocarpus) is an evergreen shrub with foliage that creates a year-round privacy screen. "Podocarpus is like having a living fence that puts on a colorful show throughout the year," says Putnam. "With its fast growth and easy maintenance, you'll be enjoying a lush, green barrier in no time. Plus, it tolerates some shade, making it a versatile option for many landscapes."

The holly plants

Holly (Ilex) is a beloved shrub that has year-round interest. There are many varieties of holly that grow to be quite tall, forming a solid barrier in the yard. "Hollies are low-maintenance too, so once they’re established, they offer plenty of beauty with little hassle," says Putnam.

Forsythia plants

Forsythia is one of the earliest bloomers in the garden, arriving in late winter to early spring. "Forsythia shrubs feature vibrant yellow bell-shaped flowers that appear before leaves emerge on the branches," says Kelly Funk, president for Jackson & Perkins. "The shrubs are fast-growing and have an upright arching habit."

Thuja plants

A fast-growing, woody evergreen, thuga has dense foliage characterized by its conical shape. "Thuja is good for privacy because it is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that produces dense foliage that can provide privacy year-round," says Funk. "Prune in early spring to maintain desired height and shape."

Butterfly Bush Flowers

Butterfly bush (Buddleia) is a deciduous flowering shrub that produces colorful blooms and attractive foliage. "The plant features long, arching branches covered with clusters of small, fragrant flowers," says Funk. "The flowers come in various colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators." It's a dense, fast grower that should be regularly pruned in late winter or spring to ensure it maintains its shape.

Weigela flowers plants

Weigela has arched branches that are covered in red and pink blooms from late spring to early summer. The foliage is typically deep green, burgundy, or purple and can be variegated. "Due to its dense foliage and upright growth, weigela is ideal for privacy screening," says Funk. "Pruning after flowering maintains shape and encourages future blooms."

Barberry flower plants

If you're looking for a low-maintenance shrub option, consider barberry. It's commonly grown in landscapes for its durability and adaptability to poor soils. "Varieties with reddish or golden foliage add an intriguing element to the landscape," says Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's agricultural center. While it's a great privacy shrub, keep in mind that it may be considered invasive in some zones, so do your research before planting.

Loropetalum flower plants

Loropetalum boasts red, burgundy, or green foliage and flowers in a range of colors, from pinks and reds to purples and whites, says Abdi. It's an insect- and disease-resistant plant that will beautifully accent the other plants in your yard.

Pittosporum flower plants

Pittosporum has evergreen leaves in tight whorls that form at the top of the branches, creating a pleasant texture in the garden, says Abdi. It provides white flower clusters that stand out against the shrub's foliage.

Sweet Olive Flower Plant

For a fragrant option, sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans) has pleasant-smelling small flowers that bloom during fall, winter, and spring, adding subtle interest to the landscape. "The blooms are small and not super showy, but they definitely have an appealing scent," says Abdi.

Azalea flowers

Azaleas are known for their vibrant pink blooms, which add vibrant color to the garden. While not all azalea varieties are good for privacy, some can grow to be up to 10 feet tall and look beautiful as a living fence.

Camellia flower plant

Camellias have very showy, pink, yellow, red, or white flowers—with some varieties even blooming during winter. This pollinator-friendly shrub has thick foliage that can create a beautiful privacy hedge in the landscape.

Small Shrubs That Will Make a Big Statement in Your Yard

Whoever said big things come in small packages must have been talking about their home’s landscaping. Regardless of your yard’s size, it’s easy to assume your garden needs an oversized tree or large patch of vibrant flowers to stand out. But in reality? Tiny touches like small shrubs can totally transform a yard or garden. “They are perfect for compact spaces where larger shrubs wouldn't fit, allowing gardeners to include a diverse array of colors and textures even in limited areas,” says Sam Niemann, founder of San Diego-based landscaping firm Grown by Design. “As gardens increasingly trend toward smaller sizes, these shrubs offer a versatile solution for creating visual interest and variety,” says Niemann.

Sprinter Boxwood Plant

Think of a sprinter boxwood (Buxus Microphylla) as a consistent crowd-pleaser—one that can adapt to a range of different climates and needs. “Sprinter boxwoods are exceptionally versatile, able to thrive in diverse light conditions,” Niemann says. “They are hardy, forgiving, and long-lived, making them a great choice for both formal and informal gardens.” Though sprinter boxwoods are slow-growing shrubs—it can typically take three to five years for them to reach maturity—their smaller, denser leaves create a full look that can be trimmed into a bevy of shapes and sizes. In other words, it’s art al fresco.

Bollywood Azalea Flowers

Some small shrubs make a splash with their leaves,  while others “wow” with their flowers. However, if you want to lean into the “more is more” aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with a Bollywood azalea (Rhododendron ‘Farrow’).  This option might be small—it only grows to be about 3 feet tall—but it has variegated leaves and bright pink flowers that command attention. Another thing to love about this semi-evergreen? It’s a total magnet for bees and butterflies, which will give your space an idyllic edge.

Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce Plant

Spruces might be an obvious option for the holidays, but the dwarf globe blue spruce (Picea Pungens ‘Globosa) proves that they’re a great choice year-round. This smaller conifer might take a while to grow to its mature size, but it’s relatively easy to care for and deer-resistant. Let’s not forget that they look good, too. “The dwarf globe blue spruce stands out for its striking icy blue foliage, providing a vivid contrast to other garden plants,” Niemann says. “Its compact size is ideal for smaller flower beds, allowing gardeners to enjoy the unique blue color without needing space for a full-sized spruce.”

Little Lime Hydrangea Flowers

Craving a “wow” moment? Though these shrubs only grow to be 3 to 5 feet tall, their poofy, conical clusters of flowers are the horticultural equivalent of costume jewelry. “They produce beautiful pale green and white flowers that transition to light pink and mauve in the fall, providing extended seasonal interest,” Niemann says. “These blooms dry well, offering winter beauty and making excellent cut flowers.”

Dwarf Korean Lilac Flowers

Tapping out at about 5 feet tall, dwarf Korean lilac (Syringa Meyeri 'Palibin') might be one of the bigger options on this list; however, several gardening pros said this option shouldn’t be overlooked. “The dwarf Korean lilac is known for its fragrant, lavender-pink flowers that bloom profusely in late spring,” says Tony O’Neill, author, expert horticulturist, and founder of Simplify Gardening. “It's a fantastic choice for adding fragrance and color to your garden." To make your lilacs stand out, O’Neill recommends pruning immediately after flowering to promote healthy growth and blooming.

Spirea flowers

For a jolt of color that has a hint of whimsy, you might want to consider a spirea shrub or two. O’Neill is partial to the “gold mound” spirea (Spiraea Japonica), which has vibrant yellow foliage and clusters of pink flowers. Though this species only grows 2 to 3 feet, its can’t-miss scheme will make it stand out. “It's a low-maintenance shrub that adds a pop of color throughout the growing season,” he adds. It’s easy to manage, too: Once this shrub is established, it’s low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and requires minimal pruning.