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Fast-growing shrubs – 8 top choices recommended by gardening experts
Jun 1, 2025
There are fast-growing shrubs for every garden, with plenty of flowering options
Fast-growing shrubs bring long-lasting structure to the garden, unlike annual bloomers, which last just one growing season. With the right care they will establish quickly, and can be used as hedging, as ornamental specimens in the border, or even as container plants.
From fragrant flowering show-stoppers that are good for wildlife to varieties with colour-changing leaves, there's a shrub to suit any garden trend. Tall, evergreen ones are valuable for shade, shelter, or screening, while some deciduous shrubs will dazzle in winter with their vibrant bark.
I asked gardening experts for their recommendations for fast-growing shrubs, and they shared their insights below. You'll also find useful tips for looking after them, to help them establish beautifully in your space.
Update your outdoor space with these 8 fast-growing shrubs
While some shrubs are more drought-tolerant than others, most will need proper watering regularly as they get established. Mulching around the base will help the soil retain moisture and keep weeds at bay, but it's generally recommended to keep mulch away from the main stem to avoid the risk of rot and disease.
1. Photinia fraseri "Red Robin"
Emma Fell, head of horticulture at Hillier, recommends Photinia fraseri “Red Robin” for our list of fast-growing shrubs. “This bold, upright, evergreen shrub is known for its vibrant red new growth in spring, which gradually matures to a glossy green,” she says.
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