Get garden gear delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The Thuja Green Giant options offer the clearest route to a tall evergreen screen; the 3-gallon plant gives a larger start, while the liner and 8-pack formats suit buyers willing to grow smaller plants on.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae is the more space-conscious conifer choice, while Green Giant needs more room as it matures.
- Privets appear in several sizes and formats, from small multi-plant packs to larger nursery-pot shrubs, so buyers can trade an easier start for more planting work or wait time.
- Austree Hybrid Willow and willow cuttings target fast-growing screens, but their larger eventual scale and starting size make site planning especially important.
- Confederate Jasmine is a climbing vine, not a freestanding hedge; it needs support and suits a different screening setup than the shrubs and trees in this roundup.
| Waxleaf Privet Live Plants, 15 Count |  | Best for Shaping a Formal Hedge | Plant count: 15 | Plant size: 2 inches | Mature height: 8–10 feet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Red Robin Photinia Live Shrub, 2.5-Quart Nursery Pot |  | Best for Seasonal Foliage Color | Plant type: Evergreen flowering shrub | Quantity: 1 live plant | Pot size: 2.5-quart nursery pot | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae, 1 Gallon, Privacy Hedge |  | Best for Narrow Spaces | Pot size: 1 gallon | Mature height: 8–15 feet | Mature width: 3–4 feet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft (8-Pack) |  | Best for a Tall, Fast-Growing Screen | Plant type: Thuja Green Giant arborvitae | Height at purchase: 2 feet | Quantity: 8-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Confederate Jasmine Live Plant, 1 Gallon, Star Vine |  | Best for Screening a Fence or Trellis | Plant type: Confederate jasmine (star vine) | Pot size: 1 gallon | Mature height: 10–12 feet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Austree Hybrid Willow Tree Plants – Fast Growing Privacy Hedge (24 Trees) |  | Best for Fast, Tall Coverage | Quantity: 24 cuttings | Plant type: Austree hybrid willow | Growth rate: Up to 12 feet per year | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings (10 Cuttings) |  | Best for Beginner Willow Screens | Quantity: 10 cuttings | Plant type: Willow tree cuttings | Recommended spacing: 2–3 feet apart | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ligustrum Recurvifolium Privet Shrub, 2.25 Gallon |  | Best for a Flowering, Prunable Hedge | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Container size: 2.25 gallons | USDA hardiness zones: 7–11 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brighter Blooms Waxleaf Privet Shrub, 3 Gallon |  | Best for Formal Hedge Shaping | Plant type: Waxleaf privet shrub | Pot size: 3 gallons | Foliage: Glossy evergreen | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Podocarpus Macrophyllus Japanese Yew – 10 Live Plants – Privacy Hedge Shrub |  | Best for a Low-Pruning Evergreen Screen | Quantity: 10 live plants | Botanical name: Podocarpus macrophyllus | Plant type: Shrub and hedge plant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 3 Gallon |  | Best for a Faster Privacy Screen | Container size: 3 gallons | Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year | Mature size: Up to 40 feet tall by 20 feet wide | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Curled Leaf Privet Live Plants, Ligustrum japonicum recurvifolium, 10 Quart-Size Shrubs |  | Best for a Multi-Plant Privet Hedge | Quantity: 10 plants | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Botanical name: Ligustrum japonicum recurvifolium | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki Live Plant, 1 Gallon |  | Best for Narrow Privacy Plantings | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Container size: 1 gallon | Mature height: 8–10 feet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liner (18-Pack), Privacy Trees |  | Best for Long Boundaries | Quantity: 18 liners | Mature height: Up to 60 feet | Mature width: Up to 20 feet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Waxleaf Privet Live Plants, 20 Count, 2-Inch Pots | | Best for Shaped Hedge Rows | Plant count: 20 | Pot size: 2 inches | Plant type: Waxleaf privet (Ligustrum) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| privacy hedge plant | Plant type | Mature height | Foliage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waxleaf Privet Live Plants | — | 8–10 feet | Glossy green; compact, dense, and bushy |
| Red Robin Photinia Live Shrub | Evergreen flowering shrub | 8–10 feet | — |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green A | — | 8–15 feet | — |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Thuja Green Giant arborvitae | Up to 60 feet | Dense, dark green evergreen |
| Perfect Plants Confederate Jas | Confederate jasmine (star vine) | 10–12 feet | Cascading lime-green |
| Austree Hybrid Willow Tree Pla | Austree hybrid willow | 50–75 feet if untrimmed | — |
| Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree | Willow tree cuttings | — | — |
| Ligustrum Recurvifolium Privet | Evergreen shrub | — | — |
| Brighter Blooms Waxleaf Privet | Waxleaf privet shrub | — | Glossy evergreen |
| Podocarpus Macrophyllus Japane | Shrub and hedge plant | 15–20 feet | Narrow, leathery, dark green |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — | — | Evergreen, dark green |
| Curled Leaf Privet Live Plants | Evergreen shrub | — | — |
| Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki | Evergreen shrub | 8–10 feet | — |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — | Up to 60 feet | Dense, dark green evergreen |
| Waxleaf Privet Live Plants | Waxleaf privet (Ligustrum) | 8–10 feet | Glossy green |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Waxleaf Privet Live Plants, 15 Count
Fifteen rooted privets give this pick an advantage for planting a continuous screen, while the glossy, bushy foliage can also be clipped into a more formal line or shaped as topiary. At a mature 8–10 feet, it offers substantial coverage without the extreme height of the Thuja Green Giant. The tradeoff is that these arrive as small 2-inch plants, so a finished screen will take time to fill in. They also need regular watering while their roots establish and ongoing pruning to hold a neat shape. Compared with the single-pot Red Robin photinia, this set supplies more plants for a hedge, but its foliage lacks photinia’s copper-red seasonal color.
Pros:- Fifteen plants can be spaced along a hedge or screen
- Dense glossy foliage can be clipped into formal shapes
- Mature height of 8–10 feet provides substantial screening
- Creamy white summer blooms are described as fragrant
Cons:- 2-inch plants will need time to grow into a substantial screen
- Regular watering is needed while roots establish
- Pruning or shearing is needed to maintain the desired form
Best for: Gardeners planting a clipped, multi-plant privacy hedge who can water young shrubs and prune them regularly.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need an immediate screen or want a low-pruning hedge, since these small plants need time and shaping.
- Plant count:15
- Plant size:2 inches
- Mature height:8–10 feet
- Foliage:Glossy green; compact, dense, and bushy
- Bloom color:Creamy white
- Bloom period:Summer
- Sunlight:Full sun
- Soil type:Sandy soil
- Uses:Hedge, privacy screen, windbreak, container, or topiary
Our verdict“Choose this set for a shapeable privet hedge if you can give small plants time, water, and regular pruning.”
Red Robin Photinia Live Shrub, 2.5-Quart Nursery Pot
Copper-red spring growth gives Red Robin photinia a visual distinction the green Emerald Green Arborvitae does not offer; the leaves mature to glossy dark green, keeping some screening through the year. Its stated 8–10-foot height and 6–8-foot width suit a broad hedge or border, but that width calls for more room than the narrow, 3–4-foot Emerald Green. This listing is a single plant in a 2.5-quart pot, so building a long screen means sourcing and planting multiple shrubs. Photinia also depends on well-drained soil and good air circulation, which can limit its fit in crowded or poorly drained spots. White spring flowers add interest, though the main distinction here is the changing foliage.
Pros:- Copper-red spring growth adds color to the hedge
- Evergreen foliage supports year-round screening
- Can be pruned as a hedge or small specimen tree
- White spring flowers add seasonal interest
Cons:- A mature width of 6–8 feet needs generous spacing
- Well-drained soil and good air circulation are needed
- The listing includes one plant, so a long screen requires more shrubs
Best for: Gardeners with room for a broad evergreen screen who want copper-red new growth alongside year-round foliage.
Not ideal for: People planting a narrow side-yard barrier or a long hedge from one purchase, given its 6–8-foot spread and single-plant quantity.
- Plant type:Evergreen flowering shrub
- Quantity:1 live plant
- Pot size:2.5-quart nursery pot
- Mature height:8–10 feet
- Mature width:6–8 feet
- Sunlight:Full to partial sun
- Soil:Well-drained
- Hardiness zone:6
- Bloom season:Spring
Our verdict“Pick Red Robin photinia if you want a broad privacy shrub with colorful new growth and have suitable space and drainage.”
Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae, 1 Gallon, Privacy Hedge
Narrow, year-round coverage is the Emerald Green Arborvitae’s clearest advantage: its stated mature width of 3–4 feet takes less room than Red Robin photinia’s 6–8 feet. The evergreen foliage stays green, and the listed hardiness range of USDA zones 3–8 spans colder regions than the Thuja Green Giant, which is listed for zones 5–9. At about a foot of growth per year, though, this is a patient choice; it will not deliver a fast screen. Each plant comes in a 1-gallon pot, and the first year may call for winter protection as well as regular watering. Deer resistance and drought tolerance are useful listed traits, but they do not remove the need to help a new planting establish.
Pros:- Mature width of 3–4 feet suits tighter planting areas
- Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round screening
- Listed for USDA zones 3–8
- Described as deer resistant and drought tolerant
Cons:- About one foot of annual growth means privacy develops gradually
- Regular watering is needed
- Extra winter protection may be needed in the first year
Best for: Homeowners in USDA zones 3–8 who need a narrow evergreen screen and can wait for gradual growth.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need quick privacy, since the stated growth rate is about one foot per year and young plants may need winter protection.
- Pot size:1 gallon
- Mature height:8–15 feet
- Mature width:3–4 feet
- Growth rate:About 1 foot per year
- USDA hardiness zones:3–8
- Sunlight:Full sun
- Soil type:Sandy soil
- Moisture needs:Regular watering
- Special features:Compact, deer resistant, drought tolerant
Our verdict“Choose Emerald Green Arborvitae for a compact, cold-hardy screen when steady growth suits your timeline.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 2 ft (8-Pack)
Eight 2-foot evergreens give this pack a strong starting point for a substantial privacy screen, and the Green Giant is described as fast-growing once established. Its scale sets it apart from the narrow Emerald Green Arborvitae: the Green Giant can reach up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with a wide-bottomed pyramidal habit. That size can create a tall barrier, but it also makes placement and future pruning consequential. A small yard or a site near structures may not suit its mature footprint. Compared with Emerald Green, this is the pick for buyers prioritizing eventual height and a broader screen over compact spacing. It is listed for zones 5–9 and needs time to establish before its faster growth begins.
Pros:- Eight plants provide multiple starting points for a screen
- Fast-growing once established
- Dense, dark green evergreen foliage
- Listed for USDA zones 5–9
Cons:- Potential mature size is too large for many residential spaces
- Needs time to establish before faster growth begins
- May need pruning to control its size
Best for: Owners of large properties in USDA zones 5–9 who want a tall evergreen screen and have room for broad mature trees.
Not ideal for: Small-yard gardeners or anyone unable to accommodate a potential 20-foot width and 60-foot height.
- Plant type:Thuja Green Giant arborvitae
- Height at purchase:2 feet
- Quantity:8-pack
- Mature height:Up to 60 feet
- Mature width:Up to 20 feet
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Growth habit:Wide-bottomed pyramidal
- Foliage:Dense, dark green evergreen
Our verdict“Choose this 8-pack for a tall, broad screen where the planting site can accommodate full-size Green Giants.”
Perfect Plants Confederate Jasmine Live Plant, 1 Gallon, Star Vine
Confederate jasmine screens vertically by climbing a fence, trellis, or other support, which makes it a different kind of privacy solution from the freestanding Waxleaf Privet hedge. Its cascading foliage can cover a structure, while pale pinwheel flowers bring a strong spring fragrance. The stated mature height is 10–12 feet, but at about 4 feet wide, it will not create the same broad, self-supporting barrier as the Thuja Green Giant. Buyers need an existing or planned support and must train the vine as it grows. This 1-gallon plant suits a fence, wall, or deck where ground space is limited; it is a weaker fit when the goal is a dense screen that stands on its own.
Pros:- Can cover fences and trellises using vertical space
- Pale pinwheel flowers have a strong spring fragrance
- Mature height of 10–12 feet can screen a tall structure
- Grows in full sun to partial shade
Cons:- Needs a structure or supports for training
- Does not provide the broad, self-supporting coverage of a hedge shrub
- The listed bloom fragrance is seasonal rather than year-round
Best for: Gardeners who want fragrant coverage on an existing fence, trellis, wall, or deck railing.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a freestanding, wide privacy hedge, since this vine needs support and has a stated width of about 4 feet.
- Plant type:Confederate jasmine (star vine)
- Pot size:1 gallon
- Mature height:10–12 feet
- Mature width:4 feet
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Foliage:Cascading lime-green
- Flower type:Pale pinwheel flowers
- Fragrance:Heavy spring aroma
- Training:Fences, trellises, walls, decks, gazebos, and handrails
Our verdict“Pick Confederate jasmine to add fragrant, trained coverage to a structure when a standalone hedge is not required.”
Austree Hybrid Willow Tree Plants – Fast Growing Privacy Hedge (24 Trees)
For buyers who need a tall screen quickly, Austree Hybrid Willow has the most aggressive growth claim in this group: up to 12 feet per year, with mature trees reaching 50–75 feet if left untrimmed. That scale can also create wind protection and shade, while pruning can keep the planting denser and lower. Compared with Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings, this set includes 24 cuttings rather than 10, so it can cover a longer stretch. The tradeoff is that these arrive as cuttings, not established trees, and need consistently moist soil while they root and grow. Its stated non-invasive root system may appeal near other plantings, but the very tall mature size still calls for thoughtful siting. Choose it for room to grow and fast vertical coverage; skip it where soil dries out or space is limited.
Pros:- Up to 12 feet of growth per year can shorten the wait for a tall screen
- 24 cuttings provide more planting material than the 10-cutting Green Wall Willow set
- Can be pruned to stay lower and dense
- Can serve as a privacy screen, windbreak, shade planting, or erosion control
Cons:- Cuttings need time and care to root before they form a screen
- Requires consistently moist soil and cannot be allowed to dry out
- Mature height of 50–75 feet can exceed the needs of smaller yards
Best for: Property owners with a long, sunny boundary, reliably moist soil, and room for a tall windbreak or screen
Not ideal for: Gardeners who need an immediate established hedge or have a dry site or limited vertical space
- Quantity:24 cuttings
- Plant type:Austree hybrid willow
- Growth rate:Up to 12 feet per year
- Mature height:50–75 feet if untrimmed
- Sunlight:Full sun to partial shade
- Watering:2–3 times per week; keep soil moist
Our verdict“Pick this 24-cutting set for fast, tall coverage where you can keep the soil moist and accommodate large trees.”
Green Wall Willow Privacy Tree Cuttings (10 Cuttings)
Green Wall Willow cuttings suit buyers who want to plant a living screen directly in the ground without starting with container-grown shrubs. The suggested 2–3-foot spacing gives a practical layout for a hedge, and willow’s fast growth can build coverage sooner than the slower Podocarpus macrophyllus. This set has 10 cuttings, though, so it covers less ground than the 24-cutting Austree set. A full barrier still takes time to establish, and placement deserves care: the product description warns that willow roots can be aggressive near pipes and structures. Its adaptability to many soils and climates is useful, but does not remove the need to plan spacing and site conditions. Pick it for a modest, quickly growing screen where roots have room; skip it beside buried utilities or buildings.
Pros:- Cuttings are planted directly in soil, without managing nursery pots
- Suggested 2–3-foot spacing helps plan the screen
- Fast growth can provide coverage sooner than slow-growing Podocarpus
- Adaptable to many soil types and climates once established
Cons:- Ten cuttings cover less ground than the 24-cutting Austree set
- A dense screen takes time to establish and depends on proper spacing
- Aggressive roots can be a concern near pipes and structures
Best for: New gardeners planting a modest in-ground screen who can give willow roots ample distance from utilities and structures
Not ideal for: Homeowners planting beside pipes, foundations, or other areas where aggressive willow roots could cause problems
- Quantity:10 cuttings
- Plant type:Willow tree cuttings
- Recommended spacing:2–3 feet apart
- Uses:Privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, natural borders
- Soil and climate:Adaptable to many soil types and climates
- Establishment:Plant directly in soil; allow time for a full screen to form
Our verdict“Choose these cuttings for a smaller, fast-growing willow screen if you can plant well clear of pipes and structures.”
Ligustrum Recurvifolium Privet Shrub, 2.25 Gallon
This Ligustrum recurvifolium combines evergreen screening with fragrant white spring flowers, giving it more seasonal interest than the plain foliage of Podocarpus macrophyllus. At a stated 8-foot expected height and 6-foot width, it can form a substantial hedge, and its tolerance for heavy pruning lets gardeners shape the boundary to fit. It also comes as a 2.25-gallon shrub, rather than as unrooted willow cuttings, though buyers should not mistake a nursery container for an instant screen. Its USDA zone range of 7–11 narrows where it is suited, and regular watering is needed until it establishes. Choose it for a clipped evergreen hedge with spring fragrance; skip it if your climate falls outside the listed zones or you want a plant requiring no establishment watering.
Pros:- Evergreen foliage screens the yard throughout the year
- Fragrant white flowers add spring interest
- Tolerates heavy pruning for a shaped hedge
- Expected height of 8 feet can provide substantial coverage
Cons:- Needs regular watering until established
- Listed hardiness is limited to USDA zones 7–11
- A single shrub does not provide instant coverage along a long boundary
Best for: Gardeners in USDA zones 7–11 who want an evergreen hedge they can prune and that adds fragrant spring blooms
Not ideal for: Gardeners outside zones 7–11 or those unwilling to water regularly while the shrub establishes
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Container size:2.25 gallons
- USDA hardiness zones:7–11
- Sun exposure:Full sun
- Expected height:96 inches (8 feet)
- Expected width:6 feet
- Flowers:Fragrant white; spring
- Moisture needs:Water well until established
Our verdict“Choose this privet for a prunable, flowering evergreen hedge in a suitable climate where you can water it through establishment.”
Brighter Blooms Waxleaf Privet Shrub, 3 Gallon
Brighter Blooms Waxleaf Privet is the shaping-focused pick: its glossy evergreen foliage can be pruned into a clipped hedge, topiary, or small standard tree. That range suits gardeners designing a deliberate garden boundary, while the Ligustrum Recurvifolium Privet offers more specific listed dimensions and fragrant spring flowers. Here, the supplied details emphasize a 3-gallon pot and foliage finish, but give no mature size or hardiness range, so buyers have less guidance for planning spacing and climate fit. Formal shapes also take regular pruning to maintain. Shipping is restricted in several states, which can rule it out before garden plans begin. Choose it when a glossy, sculpted look matters and its shipping rules allow delivery; skip it if you need published size or zone details to plan a hedge.
Pros:- Glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round visual screening
- Can be shaped as a hedge, topiary, or small standard tree
- Three-gallon pot size offers a larger starting format than smaller nursery pots in the roundup
Cons:- Regular pruning is needed to maintain formal shapes
- Shipping is unavailable to AK, AZ, HI, OR, and PA
- The provided product data does not list mature dimensions or hardiness zones
Best for: Gardeners who want a glossy evergreen shrub for a regularly clipped hedge, topiary, or small standard tree
Not ideal for: Buyers in AK, AZ, HI, OR, or PA, or gardeners who need listed mature dimensions and hardiness zones before planting
- Plant type:Waxleaf privet shrub
- Pot size:3 gallons
- Foliage:Glossy evergreen
- Shaping uses:Formal hedge, topiary, or small standard tree
- Shipping restrictions:No shipping to AK, AZ, HI, OR, or PA
- Pruning:Regular pruning needed to maintain formal shapes
Our verdict“Pick this privet for a glossy, sculpted hedge if it ships to your state and you are ready to prune it regularly.”
Podocarpus Macrophyllus Japanese Yew – 10 Live Plants – Privacy Hedge Shrub
Podocarpus macrophyllus is the measured, low-pruning choice for buyers who value year-round foliage and a tidy upright form over quick coverage. This set includes 10 live plants, and the species can reach 15–20 feet, so it offers a taller screen than the 8-foot Ligustrum Recurvifolium Privet. Its slow growth is the central tradeoff: a complete hedge will take longer to fill in than the fast-growing willow cuttings. In return, the listing describes minimal maintenance and dense, narrow foliage suited to a clipped hedge, screen, topiary, or container planting. Its USDA zones 7–10 also make its climate fit more limited than the Ligustrum’s listed zones 7–11. Choose it for a patient, structured evergreen boundary; skip it when privacy coverage is urgent.
Pros:- Dense, narrow evergreen foliage provides year-round screening
- Mature height of 15–20 feet can exceed the listed height of the Ligustrum privet
- Slow growth means less frequent pruning once the screen is established
- Can be used as a hedge, screen, topiary, accent, or container specimen
Cons:- Slow growth makes it a poor fit for urgent privacy needs
- Listed hardiness is limited to USDA zones 7–10
- The set of 10 plants may not cover a long boundary without additional plants
Best for: Gardeners in USDA zones 7–10 who want an upright evergreen screen and can wait for slow-growing plants to fill in
Not ideal for: Buyers who need fast privacy coverage or garden outside USDA zones 7–10 without a plan for winter protection
- Quantity:10 live plants
- Botanical name:Podocarpus macrophyllus
- Plant type:Shrub and hedge plant
- Mature height:15–20 feet
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- USDA hardiness zones:7–10
- Growth habit:Slow-growing, upright branching
- Foliage:Narrow, leathery, dark green
Our verdict“Choose this set for a tall, steady evergreen screen if you can wait for it to mature and your climate fits zones 7–10.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 3 Gallon
Up to 3 feet of annual growth gives this Green Giant a head start over the smaller liner pack when you want a screen to fill in sooner. Its dark green evergreen foliage and potential 40-foot height suit large yards where year-round coverage matters. Compared with the 18-pack of Thuja Green Giant liners, this 3-gallon plant means fewer individual plants to establish, while the liners can cover a longer boundary if you can wait for them to grow. The tradeoff is space: at a possible 20 feet wide, it can overwhelm a narrow lot without pruning and planning. It also needs regular watering and mulch during its first year, and shipping is unavailable in California and Arizona.
Pros:- Can grow up to 3 feet per year for faster screen development
- Evergreen dark green foliage provides year-round coverage
- Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established
- 3-gallon container offers a larger starting plant than the liner pack
Cons:- Potential 40-foot height and 20-foot width require substantial space
- Needs regular watering and mulching during its first year
- Unavailable for orders in California and Arizona
Best for: Homeowners in zones 5–9 with room for a tall, broad evergreen screen who want a larger starter plant.
Not ideal for: Residents of California or Arizona, and owners of narrow yards that cannot accommodate a potentially 20-foot-wide tree.
- Container size:3 gallons
- Growth rate:Up to 3 feet per year
- Mature size:Up to 40 feet tall by 20 feet wide
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Foliage:Evergreen, dark green
- Soil:Well-drained
- Deer-resistant:Yes
- Drought-tolerant:Yes
- Shipping restriction:Unavailable for orders in California and Arizona
Our verdict“Choose this Green Giant if you have a large yard and want a faster-growing screen from a larger starter plant.”
Curled Leaf Privet Live Plants, Ligustrum japonicum recurvifolium, 10 Quart-Size Shrubs
Ten evergreen shrubs in one set make this curled leaf privet a practical choice for buyers planning a continuous hedge or a mix of hedge and border planting. Its full-sun preference and stated affinity for sandy soil make it a different fit from the zone 5–9 Thuja Green Giant, which suits colder regions and can grow into a much taller screen. This privet is described as water-wise and low-maintenance, though the listing gives no mature dimensions, so spacing and eventual coverage are harder to plan. Compared with the 20-count Waxleaf Privet, this set has fewer plants but is identified by its curled-leaf variety and quart-size pots. Buyers should be comfortable checking local growing conditions before committing.
Pros:- Ten shrubs can establish a hedge or several border groupings
- Evergreen foliage supports year-round screening
- Full-sun and sandy-soil preferences are clearly stated
- Described as low-maintenance and water-wise
Cons:- No mature height or width is provided for spacing plans
- Full-sun and sandy-soil preferences may limit suitable planting sites
- Quart-size plants may take time to form a dense screen
Best for: Gardeners seeking ten evergreen shrubs for a sunny, sandy-soil hedge or a combined border planting.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a specified mature height, a cold-climate plant recommendation, or a hedge plan with precise spacing guidance.
- Quantity:10 plants
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Botanical name:Ligustrum japonicum recurvifolium
- Plant size:Quart-size
- Sunlight exposure:Full sun
- Soil type:Sandy soil
- Uses:Hedge, border, or ornamental specimen
- Maintenance and water:Described as low-maintenance and water-wise
Our verdict“Pick this set for a sunny, sandy garden where ten evergreen privets can form a hedge without requiring exact mature-size planning.”
Perfect Plants Podocarpus Maki Live Plant, 1 Gallon
A narrow 3–4-foot mature width makes Podocarpus Maki easier to fit along foundations or tighter property lines than the broad Green Giant arborvitae. It reaches a more modest 8–10 feet tall, so it offers privacy without the towering scale described for the 18-pack of Thuja liners. The glossy evergreen foliage also gives it an ornamental role beyond screening. This is a better match for warm regions in zones 7–11, with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. The tradeoff is that a 1-gallon plant starts small, and it will not suit colder zones covered by Green Giant. Shipping is also unavailable in California and Arizona.
Pros:- Narrow mature width suits restricted planting strips
- Glossy evergreen foliage adds year-round ornamental interest
- Tolerates full sun to partial shade
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established
Cons:- 1-gallon size means the screen must grow in over time
- Limited to USDA zones 7–11
- Does not ship to California or Arizona
- Requires well-draining soil
Best for: Warm-climate homeowners in zones 7–11 who need a narrow evergreen screen or foundation planting.
Not ideal for: Gardeners in colder zones or buyers seeking a large, immediately substantial screen from one plant.
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Container size:1 gallon
- Mature height:8–10 feet
- Mature width:3–4 feet
- USDA hardiness zones:7–11
- Light:Full sun to partial shade
- Soil:Well-draining
- Shipping restriction:Does not ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Choose Podocarpus Maki for a warm-climate privacy planting where a narrow, moderate-height evergreen fits better than a Green Giant.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liner (18-Pack), Privacy Trees
Eighteen liners let you plant a long boundary or windbreak in one go, giving this pack a different purpose from the single 3-gallon Green Giant. Both offer evergreen coverage in zones 5–9, but these small starter plants need years to grow into an effective screen. Their potential 60-foot height and 20-foot width make site choice and spacing especially important; pruning can help shape them, but cannot remove the need for room. Compared with the 8–10-foot Podocarpus Maki, this is the pick for broad, open sites where a much taller barrier is welcome. The tradeoffs are delayed privacy and a shipping restriction for California and Arizona.
Pros:- Eighteen plants can cover a long boundary
- Dense evergreen foliage can form a substantial screen
- Hardy across USDA zones 5–9
- Can be pruned to a desired size once established
Cons:- Small liners take years to create a mature screen
- Potential 60-foot height and 20-foot width demand substantial space
- Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Best for: Owners of large properties in zones 5–9 who need many trees for a long windbreak or boundary screen and can wait for growth.
Not ideal for: Small-yard gardeners, buyers who need screening soon, or residents of California and Arizona.
- Quantity:18 liners
- Mature height:Up to 60 feet
- Mature width:Up to 20 feet
- Shape:Wide-bottomed pyramidal
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Foliage:Dense, dark green evergreen
- Maintenance:Low once established; can be pruned
- Shipping restriction:Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Choose the 18-pack for a spacious property where planting a long-term Green Giant screen matters more than immediate privacy.”
Waxleaf Privet Live Plants, 20 Count, 2-Inch Pots
Twenty small plants give this Waxleaf Privet set the highest plant count in this batch, making it suited to a closely planted hedge that you intend to shape. Its 8–10-foot mature height offers a more manageable screen than the Green Giant options, which can grow far taller and wider. The plants tolerate full sun or partial shade and respond well to pruning, so they offer flexibility in placement and form. The tradeoff is a slower start from 2-inch pots, plus regular watering while roots establish and pruning several times a year to hold a neat shape. Compared with the ten quart-size Curled Leaf Privet plants, this set has twice as many plants but smaller pots.
Pros:- Twenty plants support a long or closely spaced hedge
- Glossy foliage and 8–10-foot height suit privacy screening
- Grows in full sun or partial shade
- Responds well to pruning and can be grown in containers
Cons:- 2-inch pots mean small plants that need time to fill in
- Requires regular watering while establishing
- Needs pruning several times a year to maintain its shape
Best for: Gardeners who want to plant a shaped privet hedge row and are prepared to water and prune it regularly.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a low-pruning screen, large starter shrubs, or a privacy barrier that fills in quickly.
- Plant count:20
- Pot size:2 inches
- Plant type:Waxleaf privet (Ligustrum)
- Mature height:8–10 feet
- Foliage:Glossy green
- Sunlight exposure:Full sun or partial shade
- Moisture needs:Regular watering while establishing
- Bloom:Creamy-white, fragrant summer flowers
- Fruit:Round blue-black fruit
Our verdict“Choose this Waxleaf Privet set for a shaped, moderate-height hedge if you can wait for small plants to grow and keep up with pruning.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options by how well their plant type and starting format match the job of creating a useful privacy screen. I weighed evergreen coverage, mature size, expected space needs, plant count, container or cutting format, and how much pruning or support a buyer may need to provide. I gave the top spot to a versatile evergreen tree offered in a substantial nursery pot, while smaller formats and plants with narrower use cases sit lower.
Because the listings do not establish site-specific performance or a guaranteed growth timeline, I avoid treating rapid-growth claims as a promise. The order reflects the screening role each plant can reasonably serve and the practical tradeoffs implied by its species and format. Climate suitability, spacing, soil, and care can change results, so buyers should check growing-zone guidance before ordering.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Privacy Hedge Plants
A privacy hedge is a long-term planting decision: the species, spacing, and starting size shape how quickly it screens and how much care it asks of you. I’d settle the site and the type of privacy you need before comparing pack counts.Match mature size to the space
Measure the planting strip and nearby paths, fences, windows, and overhead lines before choosing a species. A plant that fills the view quickly can also outgrow a narrow border or crowd neighboring plants. Check mature width as carefully as mature height, then leave enough room for airflow and maintenance access. If the screen must stay narrow, a more compact form can be easier to manage than repeatedly cutting back a large-growing plant. A tight planting line may look full sooner, but crowding can make long-term care harder.
Decide whether year-round cover matters
Evergreen foliage is the safer direction when the main goal is blocking views through winter. Deciduous plants may provide summer screening while opening up in colder months, so match foliage behavior to when privacy matters most. Broadleaf evergreens and conifers also create different looks and may respond differently to local weather and shade. Ask whether you need a solid visual barrier or simply a softer boundary. That distinction can keep you from paying for dense coverage you do not need.
Plan around the time to screening
Small liners, cuttings, and young plants usually need more time and attention before they create a visual barrier than larger established nursery plants. A multi-plant pack can cover a long run, but it does not make each plant mature faster. If screening is urgent, compare the starting size and planting density, not just claims about growth speed. You can also phase the planting, placing larger plants at the most exposed sightlines and smaller ones elsewhere. Treat a seller’s growth description as guidance, since local conditions affect pace.
Choose a planting format you can handle
Count plants against the full hedge length and the spacing recommended for the species; pack size alone does not tell you whether a listing covers your yard. Small pots and liners are lighter to handle and may make a long planting more manageable, though they require patience. Larger pots can be easier to position as individual plants but take more effort to move and plant. Cuttings call for a different level of care and may not suit someone who wants a ready-to-plant shrub. Check what the listing includes and plan delivery and planting day around the number of plants.
Budget time for pruning and upkeep
Fast-growing plants can reduce the wait for screening while increasing the need for regular pruning. Before buying, decide how often you can trim and whether you want a formal, clipped wall or a looser natural screen. Check local guidance on invasive potential and disposal of trimmings, particularly for vigorous species. Also consider watering access during establishment, especially along a long hedge where hand-watering becomes a chore. A slower, tidier plant may suit a busy household better than a rapid grower that needs frequent control.
Check climate, soil, and site exposure
Plant labels are a starting point, not proof that a species will thrive in your yard. Confirm hardiness guidance for your location, then check whether your site has full sun, shade, wet soil, or dry conditions that could affect establishment. Look for utility lines and underground services before planting trees, and keep roots away from structures as recommended for the species. Wind exposure and winter conditions can also affect evergreen screening. When conditions are uncertain, local nursery or extension guidance can help narrow the shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these plants makes the most sense if I need screening soon?
A larger nursery-pot shrub or tree gives you a bigger starting plant than a liner, small pot, or cutting, but no listing can promise an immediate wall of foliage. Among these options, the 3-gallon Thuja Green Giant and 3-gallon Waxleaf Privet are more substantial starting formats than the Green Giant liner pack or willow cuttings. The best choice still depends on the screen’s planned height, spacing, and local growing conditions. For an urgent sightline, consider using larger plants in the most exposed spots and smaller plants along less visible sections. Check current plant dimensions and seller guidance before ordering.
Should I choose Emerald Green or Green Giant Arborvitae for a narrow yard?
Emerald Green is the more space-conscious option in this lineup, while Green Giant is better suited to a site with room for a larger tree. Do not choose by height alone: mature width, spacing, and access for pruning matter just as much in a narrow yard. Measure the available planting strip and compare it with reliable mature-size guidance for your region. If the space cannot accommodate the plant’s eventual spread, routine trimming may not solve the problem. A compact option can be the better long-term fit even if it takes longer to fill the view.
Are willow cuttings a good choice for a first-time hedge planting?
Willow cuttings may appeal to a buyer seeking a small starting format, but they call for more patience and attention than established potted shrubs. Their success depends on planting conditions and care, and the listing’s fast-growth framing should not be treated as a guaranteed timeline. If you are new to hedge planting and want a simpler start, a potted shrub or tree gives you a more developed plant to place in the ground. Before choosing willow, check the mature size and local guidance on planting vigorous species. Pick cuttings when you are comfortable with a more hands-on start.
Can I use Confederate Jasmine as a freestanding privacy hedge?
Confederate Jasmine is a climbing vine, so it needs a trellis, fence, or other support to screen a view. It does not fill the same role as a freestanding arborvitae, privet, or podocarpus shrub. That makes it a possible choice for a boundary that already has a sturdy structure, especially when a vine-covered surface suits the space. If you need a self-supporting barrier, choose one of the shrubs or trees instead. Check local growing guidance for its hardiness and expected coverage.
How do I know whether a multi-plant pack covers my hedge length?
Start with the length of the planting line, then use the recommended spacing for the selected species to estimate the number of plants required. A 10- or 20-plant listing is not enough information by itself because spacing differs by plant type and the density you want. Planting too close can lead to crowding and extra pruning, while spacing too widely can leave gaps for longer. Compare the listing’s plant size and format with your plan, and ask the seller for spacing guidance if it is missing. Leave room to reach and maintain the hedge as it grows.
Conclusion
For an all-purpose evergreen screen with a substantial starting format, I’d begin with the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 3 Gallon. Buyers seeking a space-conscious conifer should compare the Emerald Green Arborvitae, while those who want a larger pack of smaller conifers can look at the Green Giant liner pack. For a broadleaf hedge, the Waxleaf Privet 15 Count is the value-oriented multi-plant option in this group; choose the larger Brighter Blooms shrub if you favor a more established starting plant. Beginners may prefer a potted shrub or tree over cuttings, and buyers with a fence or trellis can consider Confederate Jasmine for a climbing screen. The right pick depends on the space available, seasonal coverage needed, and time you can give the hedge.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
