The 5 Best Plants to Grow for Privacy

Whether you’re trying to block out a nosy neighbor, reduce street noise, or just create a peaceful green space, using plants as a natural privacy screen is a beautiful and eco-friendly solution. But not all plants are equally effective—especially when the leaves drop in winter. Here’s a roundup of five of the best plants to grow for year-round privacy, with details on how well they perform during colder months.

1. Arborvitae (Thuja)

Best for: Dense, evergreen screens

Winter effectiveness: ★★★★★

Arborvitae is a privacy plant classic for a reason. It’s a fast-growing evergreen with dense foliage that offers complete year-round screening. Varieties like ‘Green Giant’ can grow up to 3 feet per year and reach 12-15 feet tall—ideal for creating a living wall. They’re low-maintenance and handle cold winters well without dropping needles.

Pro tip: Plant them 3–4 feet apart for a seamless screen.

2. Bamboo (Clumping varieties)

Best for: Quick results and a modern aesthetic

Winter effectiveness: ★★★★☆

Not all bamboo is invasive—clumping varieties like Fargesia are well-behaved and non-spreading. They grow quickly and maintain their upright, leafy stems through most of the winter, especially in milder climates. In harsher winters, some leaf loss may occur, but the canes still offer decent privacy.

Warning: Avoid running bamboo unless you’re ready to install root barriers.

3. Holly (Ilex spp.)

Best for: Formal hedges with a bonus of berries

Winter effectiveness: ★★★★★

Holly bushes make excellent privacy plants with their dense, spiky foliage and vibrant red berries. Both American and English holly are evergreen and retain their leaves through winter, offering consistent coverage. They also attract birds, adding life to your winter garden.

Note: Most hollies need male and female plants to produce berries.

4. Privet (Ligustrum)

Best for: Classic hedging with flexibility

Winter effectiveness: ★★★☆☆

Privet grows quickly and can be shaped easily into formal or informal hedges. While some types are semi-evergreen or evergreen in warmer zones, they may lose their leaves in colder climates. That makes them a great summer screen, but less effective during the winter months in northern regions.

Alternative: Choose evergreen species like Ligustrum japonicum for better cold performance.

5. Yew (Taxus baccata or T. canadensis)

Best for: Shade tolerance and longevity

Winter effectiveness: ★★★★★

Yew is one of the most reliable evergreen shrubs for privacy, particularly in shaded areas where other plants may struggle. It grows slower than Arborvitae but lives longer and handles pruning well, making it ideal for sculpted hedges. It holds its dark green needles all year, even in harsh winters.

Bonus: Extremely deer-resistant compared to other evergreens.

When choosing privacy plants, think long-term. Consider your climate zone, sun exposure, and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle. For year-round coverage, evergreens like Arborvitae, Holly, and Yew are hard to beat. If you’re in a milder climate or want a unique look, clumping bamboo is a stylish alternative. And while Privet may lose leaves in winter, it’s still a solid seasonal option in many areas.

With the right plants, you can enjoy a private, green sanctuary in every season.