Answering your search for tall, year-round privacy, these evergreen shrubs grow to about 5–6 feet and form dense screens. They’re excellent for backyard perimeters, property borders, and visually blocking gaps. The top picks below are suited for privacy-conscious buyers, whether you want fast hedges, low-maintenance plants, or a refined formal look. Each selection includes best-use scenarios, maintenance notes, and why it stood out for privacy, screening, or landscape structure.
| Product | Ideal For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Highlander Boxwood | Tall hedges, screens | Fast-growing, year-round color |
| Japanese Boxwood 1 Gallon | Low-maintenance borders | Disease-resistant, elegant look |
| 4 Highlander Boxwood | Narrow privacy screens | Fast-growing, dense coverage |
| Emerald Arborvitae (DAS Farms) | Broad privacy hedge | Evergreen, reliable screening |
| Wax Myrtle | Low hedge, scent-rich privacy | Aromatic foliage, versatile use |
6 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge
Brand: CitronellaKing
Product notes: READY TO PLANT includes 6 Highlander Boxwood starter plants in 3.5″ cubes. They are well-rooted and ready to thrive, with natural variation in size and color possible. This cultivar reaches about 6–7 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide, retaining year-round color with minimal winter bronzing. Suitable for USDA Zones 5–9. Best for tall, narrow hedges, privacy screens, borders, or accents that require quick, lush coverage. A cautious note: seasonal variation may affect appearance.
Best for: Homes seeking fast privacy along property lines or screening narrow spaces without wide plantings. Choose this if you want a tall, evergreen barrier that matures quickly and maintains a neat silhouette.
Japanese Boxwood 1 Gallon
Brand: PERFECT PLANTS
Product notes: The Japanese Boxwood, aka littleleaf boxwood, is a hardy shrub ideal for small-to-medium hedges. It’s noted for resistance to common diseases and pests, and low maintenance. White flowers may appear in spring, with foliage that remains evergreen. This boxwood is suitable for formal hedges and classic borders, though it’s best for moderate screening rather than tall privacy when planted as a single line.
Best for: Low-maintenance hedges and refined borders where a neat, compact boxwood look is desired. Avoid this if you need a very tall, dense privacy barrier in a single year of growth.
4 Highlander Boxwood – Fast-Growing Privacy Hedge
Brand: CitronellaKing
Product notes: This set includes 4 Highlander Boxwood in 3.5″ cubes. Similar to the 6-pack, these boxwoods offer a fast-growing, evergreen presence with a tall-to-narrow habit. They’re ideal for establishing tall privacy screens or structured hedges where a compact footprint matters. Best for: quick, vertical privacy with minimal width. Limitation: individual plant sizing may vary seasonally.
Best for: Creating narrow privacy screens in front yards or along walkways where a tall, evergreen barrier is needed without broad basal spread.
Emerald Arborvitae – Four Pack for Privacy Hedge
Brand: DAS Farms
Product notes: A four-pack of Emerald Arborvitaes suitable for privacy hedges. They are evergreen and provide solid screening when planted in a row. The product description highlights readiness for planting and zone compatibility (zones 3–8). Pine-like evergreen foliage contributes to a dense barrier, though arborvitaes may require regular pruning to maintain a desired shape.
Best for: Quick-build privacy hedges in cooler to temperate climates. Better for broad, green screens than slender, vertical screens. Consider spacing to achieve dense coverage over time.
Wax Myrtle – Aromatic Privacy Shrub
Brand: Florida Foliage
Product notes: Wax Myrtle offers aromatic evergreen foliage and serves well as a privacy screen or windbreak. It thrives in diverse soils and grows quickly, providing year-round greenery. Drought tolerance adds resilience for low-maintenance landscapes. It’s a versatile hedge plant with a natural, informal look.
Best for: A fragrant, natural privacy screen with a more relaxed, informal hedge appearance. Avoid if you need a formal, perfectly uniform border; wax myrtle can have a looser growth habit.
Buying Guide: How To Choose 5-6 Foot Privacy Shrubs
What climate or zone are you in? Select species known to thrive in USDA Zones 5–9 or your local zone to ensure year-round growth and color.
How tall and wide should your privacy screen be? If space is tight, prefer tall, narrow options (like Highlander Boxwood) to maximize vertical screening with minimal footprint.
What maintenance level do you prefer? Boxwoods (like Highlander and Japanese Boxwood) are low maintenance; wax myrtle adds fragrance and flexibility; arborvitae may need pruning to maintain density.
Do you want scent or visual texture? Wax Myrtle provides aroma; arborvitae offers uniform evergreen texture; boxwoods give a formal, dense look.
Are you planting in sunny or partially shaded areas? Most evergreen shrubs listed tolerate sun, but daily sun exposure can influence growth rate and foliage color. Check each plant’s site needs.
Key Buy Considerations
- Growth rate: Fast-growing options save time but may require more pruning.
- Spacing: Plantings should be spaced to achieve dense coverage without gaps.
- Soil and drainage: Ensure well-drained soil for best performance; amend if necessary.
- Winter color and bronzing: Some boxwoods bronze in winter, but many retain color with minimal bronzing.
- Pest and disease resistance: Look for disease-resistant varieties for less upkeep.
FAQ
- What is the fastest-growing evergreen shrub for privacy? – Boxwoods and arborvitaes tend to offer rapid vertical growth; multiple plants in a row can achieve screening faster than single specimens.
- Can I plant these shrubs in containers? – Some boxwoods and wax myrtle can be container-grown, but most privacy hedges are better placed in ground for maximum root spread.
- Do these shrubs tolerate cold winters? – The Highlander boxwood and many boxwoods tolerate Zones 5–9; wax myrtle and arborvitae vary by cultivar and location.
- Which shrub has the best scent for a privacy screen? – Wax myrtle is notable for its aromatic foliage, adding a sensory element to the hedge.
- Are these suitable for deer-prone areas? – Some varieties are deer-resistant, but check local wildlife interactions for your specific plant type.
- What maintenance schedule is typical after planting? – Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency while maintaining moisture, and prune to maintain desired shape and density.