Fast-Growing Hedge Rows

Silky Dogwood

• Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) is a multi-stemmed shrub with a fast growth rate. The shrub adapts well to a variety of soil types including wet soil. Silky dogwood grows to a mature height of up to 10 feet with an equal spread and is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8. The shrub prefers areas of full sun to partial shade and blooms with flat-topped, white flowers in mid-spring. The flowers are followed by blue-black fruit in the summer. The fruit is favored by squirrels, birds and other small animals. The shrub suckers vigorously and is a popular choice for hedgerows.

Chinese Privet

• Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a fast-growing hedge plant hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9. The semi evergreen to evergreen plant grows well in areas of sun or shades and adapts well to a variety of soil types. Chinese privet grows to a mature height of 10 to 15 feet with an equal spread and blooms with 2- to 3-inch panicles of white flowers in late spring. The flowers are followed by waxy black fruit that attracts birds and lasts well into winter. Chinese privet has 1- to 3-inch long, glossy, dark green foliage.

Goat Willow

• Goat willow (Salix caprea) is a deciduous shrub with a rapid growth rate. Goat willow performs well as a hedge row as the plant tolerates heavy pruning, allowing you to keep it in shape and size you desire. The plant is also referred to as European pussy willow and is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8. Goat willow grows well in areas of sun to partial shade and adapts to a variety of soil types. The plant achieves a mature height of 12 to 15 feet with an equal spread and bears 1- to 2-inch catkins during early spring. The 2- to 4-inch long foliage is dark green with gray undersides. Goat willow is often grown as a small specimen tree in landscapes.