Fast-growing plants can instantly revitalize your garden, offering lush greenery and vibrant colors without the long wait for maturity. Transform bare soil and flat areas with the right greenery, whether it's quick-growing grasses for a lively lawn or shrubs and hedges for added privacy.
Consider adding height and color with fast-growing flowering trees, or utilize flowering vines to create stunning arches and pergolas. Here's our curated list of the top fast-growing plants, recommended by garden experts.
Top Fast-Growing Plants
Discover the favorites of leading garden designers, helping you create a beautiful garden without the lengthy wait.
1. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Height
Birch trees stand out as some of the quickest-growing trees, bringing seasonal beauty with their shimmering leaves, golden autumn hues, and striking white bark in winter. London designer Claire Mee praises both the silver birch (Betula pendula) and Himalayan birch (Betula utilis) for their ethereal charm, especially when combined with ferns and woodland flowers.
Growing tips: Thrive in well-drained soil, either in sun or partial shade. Train as a multi-stemmed specimen for a more appealing structure while managing height.
Hardiness: USDA 4-9 (UK H7).
Height: 30-70ft (9-20m).
2. Best Fast-Growing Plant for a Pergola
Rosa 'Adélaïde d'Orléans' is a lovely climbing rose from the 19th century, producing clouds of white blooms in June and July, attracting bees with its delicate blush-ivory petals.
Renowned rose expert Michael Marriott considers it one of the finest ramblers for its graceful appearance and vigorous growth. This nearly evergreen rose keeps its leaves until early spring.
Growing tips: Flexible stems make training easy over structures. Ideal for arches or pergolas, plant in well-drained, fertile soil with ample sunlight.
Hardiness: USDA 5-9 (UK H6).
Height: 20ft (6m).
3. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Cheer
Golden hop (Humulus lupulus 'Aureus') brightens up any garden with its striking lime-yellow leaves that turn butter-gold in autumn. This climber also features summer flowers and supports wildlife, including the Comma butterfly.
Landscape architect Bethany Rydmark appreciates its rapid growth, making it a fun addition to edible gardens, whether for aesthetics or brewing hobbies.
Growing tips: Position in sheltered sunny spots with moist, well-drained soil. While it can tolerate semi-shade, its color shines best in full sun.
Hardiness: USDA 3-8 (UK H6).
Height: 20ft (6m).
4. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Pollinators
Giant hyssop (Agastache) 'Blue Fortune' boasts aromatic foliage and lavender-blue flower spikes that attract pollinators from midsummer to early autumn.
Designer Andrew Marrs incorporates this plant in his designs for its long-lasting blooms, even in its first season.
Growing tips: Although short-lived, this perennial thrives in well-drained soil and prefers alkaline conditions. Water regularly until established.
Hardiness: USDA 5-9 (UK H6).
Height: 3ft (90cm).
5. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Butterflies
Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' is a superb border shrub that attracts butterflies with its honey-scented purple flower panicles. This deciduous shrub can grow 3-6ft (1-2m) within a single season.
While it thrives almost anywhere, it can be invasive in some areas, so be cautious about planting it. Ensure to remove spent flowers to prevent seeding.
Growing tips: Best planted in full sun with shelter to attract more butterflies. It may require support in open areas.
Hardiness: USDA 5-9 (UK H6).
Height: 10ft (3m).
6. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Sunlit Ground Cover
Purple love grass (Eragrostis spectabilis) quickly establishes ground cover with its lush green foliage and pink blooms that fade to fawn by autumn.
Andrew Marrs praises its rapid establishment, making it ideal for sunny gardens.
Growing tips: While it prefers well-drained soil, this grass performs well in heavier clay. It suppresses weeds effectively by covering the soil.
Hardiness: USDA 5-9 (UK H4).
Height: 2ft (60cm).
7. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Shady Ground Cover
Big-root cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum) quickly carpets the ground with its aromatic foliage, adorned with lovely magenta-pink flowers in spring and early summer.
This resilient plant thrives in both sun and shade and can be divided in spring for better spread control.
Hardiness: USDA 4-8 (UK H7).
Height: 18in (45cm).
8. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Evergreen Cover
Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a vigorous climber with glossy leaves that blush red in winter, producing sweet-scented flowers.
Designer Laura Morton loves its subtle fragrance and evergreen nature, especially in hot climates.
Growing tips: Plant in well-drained soil, either in sun or semi-shade. In colder regions, position it against a south or west-facing wall for warmth.
Hardiness: USDA 8-10 (UK H4).
Height: 13-30ft (4-9m).
9. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Vibrant Color
Crape myrtle 'Tuscarora' (Lagerstroemia indica) is a mildew-resistant hybrid that showcases striking fuchsia-pink flowers from mid-summer to early fall.
Bethany Rydmark appreciates its multi-seasonal appeal, including colorful blooms and vibrant foliage.
Growing tips: Best in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Regular watering is essential until established.
Hardiness: USDA 6-9 (UK H3).
Height: 20ft (6m).
10. Best Fast-Growing Plant for Aroma
Sweet Autumn clematis (C. terniflora) fills the air with a delightful scent in late summer.
Designer Maria von Brincken recommends planting it in visible spots to enjoy its beauty and fragrance.
Growing tips: Needs well-drained soil and can spread aggressively, so monitor its growth and remove spent flowers to prevent unwanted seeding.
Hardiness: USDA (UK H6).
Height: 18-30ft (5.5-8m).
Best Fast-Growing Contemporary Plant
Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) offers an elegant evergreen option with striking green stems that mature to ebony. This plant thrives in humus-rich, well-drained soil, making it a stylish choice for gardens.
Hardiness: USDA 7-10 (UK H5).
Height: 13ft (4m).
Best Fast-Growing Architectural Plant
Mahonia (like 'Winter Sun') is an impressive evergreen shrub that thrives in semi-shade. Its glossy foliage creates a unique architectural appearance, and its sun-yellow flowers attract winter-foraging bees.
Hardiness: USDA 6-9 (UK H5).
Height: 16ft (5m).
