Evergreen shrubs have a wide array of uses, such as privacy hedges or screens, while providing color throughout the drab winter months. Many evergreens are slow growers and take several years before they can successfully work as a hedge or privacy screen. However, more than a few evergreens -- both broadleaf and needled -- have a fast growth rate. Though your options are greatly reduced when you need a fast-growing shrub for shaded areas, several species of evergreen shrubs have both a fast growth rate and a tolerance for shaded areas.
Growing in both sunny and shaded areas, the "Duea Flame" (Grevillea rhyolitica) is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet. This drought-tolerant shrub originated in Australia and produces stunning, bright coral spikelike blooms in the spring and summer months. It can grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10 where temperatures rarely dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In other areas, this impressive evergreen shrub works well as a houseplant. Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are broadleaf evergreen shrubs grown for their beautiful ivory white blooms and deep green, glossy foliage. This partial-shade-loving plant grows in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11, and its fragrant flowers can be cut for bouquets and flower arrangements.
Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is a broadleaf evergreen growing in full sun to partial shade. This fast-growing shrub grows up to 12 feet in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10 and works well as a hedge plant. In late spring, Japanese privet develops creamy white blooms, which give way to black, berrylike fruit that lasts throughout the winter months and attracts birds. Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica) is an evergreen shrub with a fast growth rate that produces ornamental berries. It grows in partially shaded areas in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 10. Reaching heights between 6 and 10 feet tall, Japanese laurel develops attractive red berries on female plants that appear throughout the glossy, deep-green foliage.
Small to Medium-Sized Shrubs
The fast-growing “Densiformis” yew (Taxus x media “Densiformis”) features a compact, spreading shape reaching heights between 4 and 8 feet tall. It produces bright green needles that have a bronze tint during the winter months. This drought-tolerant evergreen grows in all lighting conditions, including full shade, in zones 4 through 8. Ebbinge's silverberry (Elaeagnus x ebbingei) is a medium-sized broadleaf evergreen or semievergreen shrub with a fast growth rate. It produces spineless branches covered with rich green foliage. During the fall months, fragrant white blooms appear and give way to ornamental berries. Ebbinge’s silverberry typically reaches heights of no more than 8 to 10 feet in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11. Though Ebbinge’s silverberry grows best in full sun, it can tolerate partially shaded locations.
Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium) is an evergreen shrub native to New Zealand reaching heights between 15 and 25 feet. This dense, fast-growing shrub is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and 10 and produces oval foliage with a deep green, glossy sheen. In the spring, fragrant, dark purple blooms appear and are followed by small fruit in hues of orange. This seaside-tolerant shrub grows in full sun but can withstand partial shade. Leea (Leea guineensis) is an evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 20 feet tall in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It grows in partially to fully shaded areas and has a medium to fast growth rate. This tropical shrub has light green foliage that darkens as it matures and produces tiny blooms with a reddish-orange exterior and pale yellowish-orange interior. Once the flowers are spent and fall from the branches, dark purple fruits appear, which develop a red hue has they ripen.
- Texas AgriLife Extension Service Aggie Horticulture: Medium to Large Shrubs
- San Marcos Growers: Grevillea Rhyolitica
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Gardenia Jasminoides
- Monrovia: Japanese Privet
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Ligustrum Japonicum
- Fine Gardening: Aucuba Japonica (Japanese Laurel)
- Weston Nurseries: Taxus x Media "Densiformis"
- Monrovia: Ebbinge's Silverberry
- San Marcos Growers: Pittosporum Tenuifolium
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Leea guineensis
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