Fast Growing Evergreen Shrubs

Photinia is fast growing and a popular variety is P. 'Red Robin'. It will grow up to 5m in height and spread, and can be contained by regular pruning. Should the shrub become overgrown, it will respond to hard pruning.

The fresh growth is an attractive bright red in the spring. Photinia Easy to grow, not fussy about soil types and Hardy H5/H4.

Escallonia is fast growing and makes a great hedge. It is evergreen with glossy waxy leaves and lovely pink or white flowers. Unfortunately, it is not fully hardy everywhere in the UK, this hedge was growing in Guernsey, but it will grow in many parts of the UK with some shelter. For growing tips and advice on the hardiest varieties to grow. 

Choiysa is another fast-growing shrub, although not as large as some others. The most popular varieties C. 'Aztec Pearl'   and 'ternata' both reach around 2.5m. The up side is that Choiysa is a very attractive shrub, with glossy leaves and highly scented flowers- and easy to grow;  tips on growing.

Suttons have a lovely selection of 10 Choiysa to select from, including the popular C.ternata and scented gem.

Pyracantha are fast growing and tolerant of most growing conditions. This is  Pyracantha ' Orange Glow'  which has orange berries and there are also varieties with bright red berries.  Pyracanthas will reach a height of between 3-4m and will grow in  partial shade. Pyracantha will attract bees to the summer flowers and birds for the autumn berries.

Prunus lusitanica, the Portuguese laurel has attractive leaves, dark green with small white flowers in the spring.

In the right conditions, it is very fast growing up to a  height of 12m and above. It has dense growth which will create a complete barrier, but also a lot of shade. Take care when planting to ensure it doesn't overshadow where it is not wanted. 

If you are fortunate to have the right growing conditions, Clematis Armandii is a fast-growing evergreen climbing Clematis which will grow to around  8 meters in around 5-10 years depending on the conditions. To look good, retain its leaves and evergreen status, C. Armandii requires a warm sheltered spot but rewards with lovely glossy leaves and scented flowers. It is a group 1 Clematis so does not require routine pruning.  Information on planting and growing Clematis.  Illustrated is Clematis armandii ' Apple blossom' more information on types of Clematis.

Although not evergreen, well worth considering Fagus sylvatica the Common Beech. It makes a beautiful hedge with so much interest. Illustrated is the Autumn colour, which is followed by brown leaves which stay in place for most of the winter. The new growth in spring is vivid green. It is not fussy about growing conditions, and will reach an ultimate height of around 15m. Birds love to nest in it. For this reason, it is pruned after August, as it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. It makes a really stylish hedge.

Elaeagnus is quick growing evergreens which make a good hedge, illustrated is E.x ebbingei 'Gilt Edge' another popular variety is 'limelight', and there are a good selection of evergreen varieties to choose from. It is a tough shrub which will grow in most conditions, any new shoots which do not display variegation prune out to keep the bright colour.

Expect average growth rates of around 30-50cms per annum

Some, but not all Mahonia are fast growing. If you are looking for the fast growing varieties try Mahonia x media Winter Sun. Most of the tall upright Mahonia media are medium to fast growing whilst the low growing ground cover varieties are slower growing.

Tips about growing Mahonia and more images

Ceanothus is fast growing, but short-lived shrubs. Glossy,  evergreen leaves with a profusion of soft blue flowers Ceanothus are well worth the effort even if they do run out of steam after a decade or so.

Ceanothus is particular about their growing conditions. Known as the California Lilac Ceanothus needs a sheltered spot. 

This is not the best image of Portuguese laurel, Prunus lusitanica, but it does show how very large the shrub grows in a matter of a few years. You can keep it in check by pruning, but that means pruning every year, so the first decision is do you want to plant a shrub which requires very regular pruning? If so prune early in the year before the birds nest.

It will grow in sun or partial shade and is very hardy. Portuguese laurel can be planted and will form a hedge withing about 3 years.

Cotoneaster is a genus of 200 species of evergreen and semi evergreen shrubs and trees. 

Suitable for our gardens (with a suitable size warning) are C. Franchetti, which is evergreen or semi evergreen depending on the growing conditions. It will retain more leaves in sheltered gardens. It will grow at the rate of between 20-40 cm per year and reach around 3 metres. C. lacteus grows at the same rate but is smaller around 1-2m. Both have white flowers in spring, berries in the autumn and are good for wildlife.

Fatsia Japonica also known as the Castor Oil Plant, is an easy to grow evergreen shrub. It will grow in sun, partial shade, and shade including dry shade (once established.)

It is tolerant of all types of soils and fully hardy. It is an architectual  shrub with a distinct shape and form. I think of it as a marmite shrub as it is definitely some love it and some hate it.

It will fill a gap quickly especially in ideal growing conditions, when it will grow around 30cm or 1 ft per year.