Plant guide
Shrubs for privacy hedges
A living hedge gives privacy, blocks wind and noise, and looks better every year. Evergreens are the best choice because they screen year-round.
Pick a plant whose natural height matches the screen you want, so you aren't fighting it with shears every year. Plants are grouped below by mature height.
Gartenmeister® plants in this guide (12)
Tall screens (6 ft and up)
Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Janed Gold Arborvitae
Skybound Arborvitae
Photo coming soonShorty Leyland Cypress
Etna® English Laurel
Medium hedges (3 to 6 ft)
Golden Rocket Barberry
Orange Rocket Barberry
Volcano Cherry Laurel
Greenfinity Cherry Laurel
Green Goblet Cherry Laurel
Fire Fantasy™ Photinia
Low hedges & borders (under 3 ft)
Tips for success
Spacing
For a solid hedge, space plants at about half to two-thirds of their mature width. For example, narrow arborvitae 3 to 4 feet wide can be planted about 2 to 3 feet apart.
Planting
Dig a trench or wide holes, plant at the same depth as the pot, water deeply and mulch. Water weekly through the first summer.
Trimming
Trim so the hedge is a little wider at the bottom than the top, so light reaches the lower branches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest growing privacy hedge?
Among our plants, cherry laurel and Skybound and Degroot's Spire arborvitae make the quickest tall screens.
How far apart should I plant arborvitae for a privacy hedge?
For narrow varieties like Skybound or Degroot's Spire, plant about 2 to 3 feet apart for a solid screen.
Is cherry laurel good for a hedge?
Yes. Cherry laurel is dense, glossy and evergreen, and it takes trimming well. Volcano, Greenfinity and Etna® make great medium hedges.
Is red tip photinia good for a hedge?
Yes. Fire Fantasy™ photinia is a dwarf red tip that makes a colorful 2 to 5 foot hedge. Trim it in spring and summer to bring out red new growth.