Discover fast-growing shrubs

Evergreen, fast-growing shrubs include:   

• Firethorn
• Common juniper
• Privet

Hardy, fast-growing shrubs include:  

• Philadelphus coronarius/European mock orange
• Butterfly bush
• Black elderflower
• Bird cherry

Fast-growing shrubs suitable for shade and semi-shade are: 

• Philadelphus coronarius/European mock orange
• Elderberry
• Cherry laurel

Fast-growing and flowering shrubs are:  

• Forsythia
• Weigela
• Flowering currant

Bee-friendly, fast-growing shrubs include:

• Butterfly bush
• Bird cherry

It is not possible to give a general answer to how quickly a shrub grows. Depending on the type of shrub, fast-growing shrubs grow between 20 and 120 centimetres per year.

Fast- and high-growing shrubs include:

• Philadelphus coronarius/European mock orange
• Forsythia
• Weigela

The butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) has fragrant flowers and is a valuable source of nutrition for butterflies, bees and other insects. Both on its own and in a group, it is an eye-catcher, for example in Mediterranean-style gardens. The butterfly bush is an easy-to-care-for, hardy, fast-growing shrub in winter. In March, you can cut the plant back severely so that it can sprout afterwards.

The black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), also known as the laurelberry, is a hardy, fast-growing shrub. It is quite undemanding and resilient. Even in coastal climates, the native medicinal plant grows without any problems. The leaves and fruit of the elder bush can be turned into juice so that it is well suited for a subsistence garden. In autumn, you should trim back the shoots after harvesting.

The white dogwood (Cornus alba) is a fast-growing shrub that is frost-resistant and takes well to pruning. The red colour of the bark is striking in winter, especially on young shoots. The white dogwood is rather undemanding in terms of soil characteristics. In the spring, you can radically cut it back so that it will sprout vigorously afterwards.

The wedding cake tree (Cornus controversa) is also a fast-growing shrub and has branches that spread out like the tiers of a cake. In June, the wedding cake tree bears white flowers and in autumn black fruit, which are, however, inedible. Its foliage is also red in autumn. The wedding cake tree is one of the most ornamental, fast-growing shrubs and, as a solitary plant, is an ornament for any garden.

The purple leaf filbert (Corylus maxima) is a fast-growing shrub and has a characteristic black-red foliage. Initially, it grows upright, but in old age it tends to be more umbrella-shaped. In autumn, the nuts of the purple leaf filbert can be harvested and eaten. The purple leaf filbert can be planted in both individual and grouped positions.

The European mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius) comes from the family of hydrangea plants and is a hardy, fast-growing shrub. In early summer, it bears lush white flowers and is very insect-friendly. It initially grows upright, but overhangs in old age. The mock orange is considered to be take well to pruning, although pruning is recommended particularly after the flowering season at the end of June.

Weigela “Bristol Ruby” (Weigela) will bloom brightly in ruby red from May to July and should be trimmed right after flowering so that you can enjoy a second bloom in autumn. As weigela takes particularly well to pruning, severe pruning in winter is also no problem. Weigela grows wide and upright, also overhangs in old age, and is suitable as a solitary shrub.

The Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica “Pleniflora”) is a hardy, fast-growing shrub that prefers a sunny location. During the flowering season from April to June, the golden-yellow flowers make the Japanese kerria a magnificent feast for the eyes. It is best to thin out the shrub directly after flowering. It is also ideal for making cuttings.

The robust firethorn (Pyracantha) is a rose plant with its sprigs that give it its name. It is an evergreen and hardy, fast-growing shrub. In May and June it bears white flowers that are bee-friendly. From late summer, it has striking bright red fruits that are non-toxic but very sour. It is best to only prune the firethorn after the flowering season.

The small-leaved privet Atrovirens (Ligustrum vulgare “Atrovirens”) is a hardy, fast-growing shrub. It is very easy to care for, grows in most soils and consumes little water. It also takes very well to pruning and is also suitable for shaping. The shrub is densely branched and thus provides excellent privacy. For a well-groomed shape, it is best to prune the privet three times between the end of June and the end of August.