Which hedge grows fastest? Comparison of 8 hedge species

How fast can a hedge really grow?

A hedge that fills in 5 years instead of 15 - that saves patience and years of "just planted" appearance. Growth rate depends on species, soil, feeding and water. But certain hedge species genuinely grow much faster than others.

The fastest hedge species reach 40-60 cm per year. The slowest (boxwood, hydrangea) manage 10-15 cm per year. The difference is crucial for anyone wanting privacy quickly.

Comparison: 8 hedge species by growth rate

Fastest growth: Leylandii (80 cm/year, but can get very large). Thuja and Privet (50 cm/year).

Moderate: Beech and Hornbeam (30-40 cm/year), true privacy in 8-10 years.

Slow: Boxwood (15 cm/year = 10 metres in 100 years!).

Which fast hedge to choose per situation?

Full privacy in 5-6 years, maximum height: Leylandii (Cupressocyparis leylandii). Reaches 300 cm in 6 years. Very narrow (60-80 cm wide). Evergreen. Downside: can struggle with fungal issues in very wet winters.

Quick privacy, but elegant: Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' or 'Brabant'. 40-50 cm/year, very regular pyramid form, evergreen. 250 cm in 6 years. Takes up less space than Leylandii.

Privacy with autumn colours: Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Grows 30-40 cm per year, golden-brown in October/November, retains leaves all winter. Lots of charm. 300 cm in 8-10 years.

Privacy + elegant fine form: Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). 25-35 cm/year, very fine foliage, yellow autumn colour, completely hardy. Narrowest of all. 300 cm in 9-12 years.

Privacy + flowers: Privet. 35-45 cm/year, grows broad and compact, white flowers summer, self-seeds (young leaves are bright green). 250 cm in 6-7 years. Needs trimming 2x yearly.

Privacy, highly toxic and versatile: Taxus baccata (English yew). Slow (20 cm/year), but becomes incredibly dense and incredibly old. Can live 400+ years. For patient gardeners: yew.

Planting and care for fast growth

Plant hedges October or March. They want plenty of water in year one (once weekly in dry weather) - this determines growth rate more than anything else.

Feed three times yearly (March, May, July). Potassium-rich fertiliser (not too much nitrogen, that produces soft growth). A mulch layer (5 cm) helps moisture retention.

Pruning: fast growers want trimming 2x per season (June, August). If you want them to grow taller before filling out, trim only sides and leave the top free.

Frequently asked questions

Can Leylandii really grow 80 cm per year?

Yes, under ideal conditions (full sun, good nutrition, regular water). In typical home garden use, more like 50-60 cm. But it remains the fastest species.

What's the difference between Beech and Hornbeam?

Beech (Fagus) grows slightly faster, has larger leaves, becomes slightly broader. Hornbeam (Carpinus) is more elegant, finer foliage, narrowest variant. Both retain leaves in winter (yellow-brown). Hornbeam is more frost-hardy in extremes.

Do you have to trim fast-growing hedges much more?

Yes, 2x yearly is standard for Thuja, Leylandii and Privet. Beech and Hornbeam: 1x yearly suffices. Taxus: 1x yearly. Trim intensity isn't about growth rate, but how neat you want.

Which hedge tolerates shade?

Carpinus and Beech: full shade (finer foliage). Boxwood: half shade. Thuja: half shade, not full shade. Privet: full sun to half shade, less dense in shade. Leylandii and Taxus: prefer full sun.

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