Super-powered bushes that grow at least two feet every year.
Many of them are tough and withstand extreme weather events.
Here are 18 shrubs that put your landscape on the fast track.
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Expect lots of growth when given proper growing conditions.
Once established, crepe myrtles only need water about once every other week.
French Hydrangea
The French hydrangea, also known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a showstopping shrub.
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Hydrangea is toxic to humans and pets.
Its appearance is characterized by a pyramid-like shape and glossy, dark green leaves.
Plant this low-maintenance, fast grower as a privacy hedge.
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Pollinators are attracted to its fragrant white flowers.
Beware of confusing north privetwith its invasive cousin,Chinese privet(Ligustrum sinense).
They reach their mature size within a few growing seasons.
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Bell-shaped, rosy pink flowers appear throughout April and May.
Though a location in full sun ensures the best foliage color, weigela also does well in dappled sunlight.
It will grow in a rounded shape and reach a height of 8 to 10 feet when mature.
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Forsythia withstands some drought and tolerates clay soil if it is amended with organic matter.
Plant it as a focal point in the landscape or as a stunning hedge.
When mature, it reaches between 6 to 10 feet in height and width.
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Beauty bush is resistant to drought and deer, and it tolerates clay soil.
Full sun produces more flowering, but partial shade brings out more vibrant foliage color.
They feature grayish-green leaves and fragrant panicle blooms in shades of white, pink, blue, or lavender.
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It is drought-tolerant and grows in sandy or rocky areas.
Chaste trees attract lots of pollinating insects and birds.
The flowers also make good cut flowers.
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In fall, the leaves turn red-orange.
Snowball viburnum prefers moist, loamy soil that is well-drained but tolerates other soils.
What all bottlebrush varieties have in common is their fast growth rate.
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The evergreen foliage gets easily damaged by frost.
These upright growers are low-maintenance and provide year-round color.
The shrub reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide.
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In hotter climates, they need afternoon shade and tolerate full shade.
‘Blue Chip’ butterfly bush, however, is an exception because it does not produce seeds.
The fragrant, star-shaped flower clusters do not require deadheading and provide a pretty counterpoint to dark green leaves.
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Eight hours of full sun each day ensures more flower production and strong stems that don’t require staking.
Beautyberry
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This fast-growing native shrub has year-round appeal.
The berries attract a wide variety ofwinter birdsand other wildlife to your yard throughout the season.
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If youre looking to up the berry production, consider planting beautyberry en masse.
Full sun will increase flower and berry production.
Beautyberry bushes need pruning to maintain their shape and watering during dry periods.
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While it grows up to 20 feet tall, it can be maintained in a smaller size if needed.
Spiky, white flowers appear in mid-spring but are sometimes be hidden behind the glossy and elongated foliage.
Black berries appear in the fall for an interesting encore.
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It is toxic to humans.
Full sun is best for good flower production, and well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot.
Its a great choice both for its resiliency and versatility whether as a true shrub or hedge.
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Once mature, it will reach a height of 7 to 9 feet and 10 feet wide.
Red twig dogwood likes consistently moist areas so it should be watered during dry spells.
They are low maintenance due to a uniform, pyramid-shaped growth habit and need little pruning.
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‘Green Giant’ can be shaped into a hedging or privacy screen when young.
Glossy, scale-like needles remain green all winter long.
Plant in a location with good drainage that gets six to eight hours of sun.
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Pink or white flowers emerge from blue-green or chartreuse foliage that changes color in the fall.
Prune after the spring bloom and enjoy a rebloom later in the summer.
NC State Extension.Hydrangea macrophylla.
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NC State Extension.Prunus laurocerasus.
