For most gardens, Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is my best overall privacy pick because several listings offer established plants suited to screening, while Nellie Stevens Holly adds an evergreen, broadleaf alternative. For smaller spaces, Tater Tot Arborvitae and the boxwoods are more manageable, though they create a lower, slower screen. The main tradeoffs are how quickly you need coverage, how much room you have, and whether you want to plant established shrubs or grow from seed. Seed options cost you time and carry more uncertainty before a useful hedge forms. Read on for how I rank all 13 options and which fits your garden.
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Key Takeaways
- Green Giant Arborvitae appears in four listings, giving buyers choices among a 3-gallon plant, a 2–3 ft plant, a 1-gallon plant, and an 18-pack of liners; the right format depends on how many plants you need and how long you can wait for coverage.
- Established plants are the practical route to screening: the arborvitae, holly, and evergreen shrubs avoid the germination and early-care uncertainty that comes with both seed listings.
- Tater Tot Arborvitae and boxwoods suit smaller-scale privacy better than a tall boundary hedge; their compact habit is useful for low screening but leaves less room to block views above it.
- Bridal Wreath Spirea is a seasonal screening choice, so it makes more sense for a flowering garden boundary than for year-round visual privacy.
- The 18-pack Green Giant liners can cover a longer hedge with one purchase format, but young liners require more patience and establishment care than larger listed arborvitae plants.
| Proven Winners 2 Gal Tater Tot Arborvitae Shrub |  | Best Compact Evergreen Accent | Plant type: Arborvitae shrub | Container size: 2 gallons | USDA hardiness zones: 3a–8b | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Proven Winners Sprinter Boxwood – 2 Gallon |  | Best for Low Hedges | Plant type: Boxwood shrub | Container size: 2 gallons | USDA zones: 5–9 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Japanese Boxwood – 1 Gallon Live Evergreen Shrub |  | Best for Shaped Hedges | Plant type: Evergreen shrub | Container size: 1 gallon | Mature height: 5–6 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Bridal Wreath Spirea Shrub, 1 Gallon (Live Plant) |  | Best Flowering Privacy Accent | Plant type: Deciduous shrub | Container size: 1 gallon | USDA hardiness zones: 4–9 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 3-Gallon Tree |  | Best for Tall Privacy Screens | Plant type: Evergreen tree | Container size: 3 gallons | Growth rate: Up to 3 ft per year | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) Tree Seeds – 100 Count |  | Best for Patient Seed Starters | Brand: CZ Grain | Plant type: Shrub and hedge | Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Siberian Pea Tree Seeds for Planting, 100+ Caragana Arborescens Seeds, Hardy Shrub and Small Tree Seeds, Non-GMO Outdoor Garden Seeds |  | Best for Cold-Climate Seed Growers | Brand: Loseedsoo | Plant type: Shrub or small tree | Botanical name: Caragana arborescens | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liner (18-Pack) Privacy Trees |  | Best for Large, Fast-Growing Screens | Brand: Perfect Plants | Pack size: 18 liners | Plant type: Thuja Green Giant arborvitae liner | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Privacy Tree, 1 Gallon |  | Best Single-Tree Starter | Plant type: Evergreen tree | Container size: 1 gallon | Growth rate: 3–5 feet per year | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Southern Living Obsession Nandina Shrub, 2 Gallons |  | Best for Colorful, Lower-Scale Screening | Plant type: Shrub | Container size: 2 gallons | Hardiness zones: 6–10 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| American Arborvitae Privacy Tree Seeds – Evergreen Hedge, 100 Seeds |  | Best for Long-Term Native Privacy | Seed count: 100 seeds | Plant type: Native evergreen conifer | Growth form: Narrow pyramidal | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brighter Blooms Nellie Stevens Holly Shrub – 1 Gallon |  | Best for Berry-Adding Privacy | Container size: 1 gallon | Mature height: 15–25 ft | Mature width: 8–15 ft | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (2‑3 ft) |  | Best for Faster Screening | Plant size: 2–3 ft | Growth rate: 3–5 ft per year | Sun exposure: Partial shade | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| privacy shrubs for garden | Plant type | Container size | Sun exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proven Winners 2 Gal Tater Tot | Arborvitae shrub | 2 gallons | — |
| Proven Winners Sprinter Boxwoo | Boxwood shrub | 2 gallons | — |
| Perfect Plants Japanese Boxwoo | Evergreen shrub | 1 gallon | — |
| Perfect Plants Bridal Wreath S | Deciduous shrub | 1 gallon | — |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Evergreen tree | 3 gallons | — |
| American Arborvitae | Shrub and hedge | — | Partial sun |
| Siberian Pea Tree Seeds for Pl | Shrub or small tree | — | Full sun to partial shade |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Thuja Green Giant arborvitae liner | — | Full sun |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae P | Evergreen tree | 1 gallon | Full sun |
| Southern Living Obsession Nand | Shrub | 2 gallons | — |
| American Arborvitae Privacy Tr | Native evergreen conifer | — | Full sun to partial shade |
| Brighter Blooms Nellie Stevens | — | 1 gallon | Full sun to partial shade |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Gi | — | — | Partial shade |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Proven Winners 2 Gal Tater Tot Arborvitae Shrub
Compact, rounded growth makes Tater Tot a good fit for gardeners who want evergreen structure beside a path, patio, or low border. Its 3–4-foot mature width gives it more presence than its listed expected plant height of 12 inches suggests, so buyers should treat that height as the supplied plant size rather than a screening height. Compared with Proven Winners Sprinter Boxwood, this arborvitae has a softer globe shape and a wider stated cold-hardiness range, while Sprinter is the more useful choice for a clipped hedge. Tater Tot tolerates full sun to partial shade, but its small stature means it cannot block sightlines. I’d choose it for year-round color in a small garden, not as the main privacy barrier.
Pros:- Evergreen foliage keeps color through the year
- Compact globe form suits smaller planting areas
- Tolerates full sun to partial shade
- Hardy across USDA zones 3a–8b
Cons:- Too short to provide meaningful visual privacy
- Regular watering is listed as a moisture need
- Mature width of 3–4 feet may take more room than a small accent suggests
Best for: Gardeners who need a compact evergreen accent for a small yard, patio edge, or low planting border
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a tall privacy screen, since its listed expected height is only 12 inches and mature height is 2–3 feet
- Plant type:Arborvitae shrub
- Container size:2 gallons
- USDA hardiness zones:3a–8b
- Mature size:3–4 ft wide × 2–3 ft tall
- Expected plant height:12 inches
- Sunlight:Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type:Sandy soil
- Moisture:Regular watering
Our verdict“Choose Tater Tot for a low, rounded evergreen accent, and choose a taller shrub if privacy is the priority.”
Proven Winners Sprinter Boxwood – 2 Gallon
Fast growth and an upright habit give Sprinter an edge for gardeners filling a low hedge or formal border without waiting on a slow-growing plant. Its listed mature size is 24–48 inches tall and wide, and the recommended 24-inch spacing helps buyers plan a connected row. Compared with Perfect Plants Japanese Boxwood, Sprinter is described as faster-growing and stays within a smaller stated mature size, making it easier to fit beside paths and foundations. That scale also limits its value as a tall privacy screen. The product data lists an expected plant height of 48 feet, which conflicts sharply with the 24–48-inch mature size; I would verify the intended height before buying for a specific screen. Regular watering is another part of keeping it healthy.
Pros:- Fast-growing habit can fill a low hedge sooner
- Glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round color
- Suitable for hedges, edging, and formal borders
- Low maintenance listing and zones 5–9 hardiness
Cons:- Regular watering is needed to maintain health
- Supplied expected height of 48 feet conflicts with the listed 24–48-inch mature size
- Listed mature dimensions are better suited to low screening than tall privacy
Best for: Gardeners creating a low, regularly spaced evergreen hedge or formal border who can provide routine watering
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a reliably tall screen or cannot resolve the conflicting listed height information before planting
- Plant type:Boxwood shrub
- Container size:2 gallons
- USDA zones:5–9
- Mature size:24–48 in wide × 24–48 in tall
- Recommended spacing:24 inches
- Expected plant height:48 ft (as listed)
- Sunlight:Full sun to part shade
- Moisture:Regular watering
- Growth habit:Upright, fast-growing
Our verdict“Pick Sprinter for a quick-filling low hedge, after confirming the intended mature height with the seller.”
Perfect Plants Japanese Boxwood – 1 Gallon Live Evergreen Shrub
Dense, small-leaved foliage and a stated mature height of 5–6 feet make this Japanese boxwood a stronger choice for a substantial hedge than the compact Tater Tot Arborvitae. It can also be shaped for borders or topiary, giving a gardener more control over the finished outline. The tradeoff is that it arrives in a 1-gallon container, so buyers planning an immediate screen should account for establishment and growth before it reaches its mature dimensions. The description places it in zones 5–9 and partial shade, while the supplied hardiness spec says zone 3; that discrepancy is worth checking before ordering for a cold region. The listing also says it cannot ship to California or Arizona. Choose it for a shaped, leafy barrier, not if location or fast coverage is the deciding factor.
Pros:- Dense small leaves suit hedge shaping and topiary
- Stated mature height of 5–6 feet offers more screening potential than Tater Tot
- Evergreen foliage maintains a year-round barrier
- Moderate watering and low-maintenance claims suit established plantings
Cons:- 1-gallon plant may take time to form a substantial screen
- Hardiness data conflicts between the description and listed zone 3 spec
- Shipping is unavailable to California and Arizona
Best for: Gardeners who want a dense, prunable evergreen hedge or topiary and can allow a 1-gallon plant time to establish
Not ideal for: Residents of California or Arizona, or buyers needing immediate screening or clear hardiness information for a cold site
- Plant type:Evergreen shrub
- Container size:1 gallon
- Mature height:5–6 ft
- Mature width:4–6 ft
- USDA hardiness:Description: zones 5–9; spec: zone 3
- Sunlight:Partial shade
- Moisture:Moderate watering
- Shipping restriction:Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Choose this boxwood for a shaped, medium-height evergreen hedge if its shipping and hardiness details fit your location.”
Perfect Plants Bridal Wreath Spirea Shrub, 1 Gallon (Live Plant)
Seasonal flowers and fall color make Bridal Wreath Spirea the most ornamental choice here, though it is a deciduous shrub rather than a year-round screen. Its spring display of double white blooms and red-orange autumn foliage gives a hedge or border more seasonal interest than the evergreen Perfect Plants Japanese Boxwood. That visual payoff comes with a privacy tradeoff: foliage drops in winter, so the shrub cannot provide the consistent cover of an evergreen. Full sun is its stated preference, and moderate watering is listed. The product is described as a versatile hedge, specimen, or foundation plant, with deer resistance and pollinator appeal. I’d use it where a flowering boundary matters more than winter screening, and skip it if uninterrupted year-round privacy is the main goal.
Pros:- Double white spring blooms add a strong seasonal display
- Red-orange fall foliage adds color after flowering
- Deer-resistant and attractive to butterflies and bees
- Can serve as a hedge, specimen, foundation, or border plant
Cons:- Deciduous foliage leaves the screen less private in winter
- Full sun is the stated sunlight requirement
- Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Best for: Gardeners who want a flowering boundary or informal hedge with seasonal color and pollinator appeal
Not ideal for: Buyers who need year-round visual screening, since this shrub loses its foliage in winter
- Plant type:Deciduous shrub
- Container size:1 gallon
- USDA hardiness zones:4–9
- Blooming period:Spring to summer
- Flower color:White
- Fall foliage:Red-orange
- Sunlight:Full sun
- Moisture:Moderate watering
- Shipping restriction:Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Choose Bridal Wreath Spirea for a colorful flowering hedge where seasonal privacy is enough.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, 3-Gallon Tree
Up to 3 feet of growth per year and a stated mature size of 40 feet tall by 20 feet wide give this Green Giant the strongest tall-screen potential in this group. Compared with Proven Winners Sprinter Boxwood, it is meant for a much larger boundary and can offer substantial evergreen coverage once established; the cost of that scale is space, time, and early care. It needs full sun and well-drained soil, with regular watering and mulching during its first year. The listing says it becomes drought-tolerant once established, but buyers still need to support it through that initial period. Its large mature footprint makes it a poor fit for narrow yards, and shipping is unavailable to California and Arizona.
Pros:- Growth rate of up to 3 feet per year supports faster screen development
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round coverage
- Mature height up to 40 feet offers far more screening potential than boxwood
- Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established
Cons:- Mature width up to 20 feet requires substantial planting space
- Needs regular watering and mulching during its first year
- Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Best for: Owners of spacious yards who want a tall evergreen screen and can water and mulch trees through the first year
Not ideal for: Gardeners with narrow lots, small planting beds, or homes in California or Arizona
- Plant type:Evergreen tree
- Container size:3 gallons
- Growth rate:Up to 3 ft per year
- Mature size:Up to 40 ft tall × 20 ft wide
- USDA hardiness zones:5–9
- Sunlight:Full sun
- Soil:Well-drained
- Deer resistance:Deer-resistant
- Shipping restriction:Cannot ship to California or Arizona
Our verdict“Choose Green Giant for a tall, broad evergreen screen when you have room for its mature size and can manage first-year care.”
American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) Tree Seeds – 100 Count
I’d choose these American arborvitae seeds for a gardener who wants to raise a hedge from seed and can wait for it to fill in. The packet includes 100 seeds, a photo guide, and planting directions, giving beginners more help than the Siberian Pea Tree Seeds, which require a separate cold-stratification step. Both seed options take longer to provide privacy than the potted Thuja Green Giant, but American arborvitae offers a familiar evergreen hedge form once established. The listed high germination rate is promising, though it does not remove the uncertainty or time involved in starting shrubs from seed. Its partial-sun preference also narrows where it fits, and the provided data does not specify hardiness zones or mature dimensions. I’d skip it for anyone needing a quick screen or planting in full sun.
Pros:- 100 seeds provide material for a larger hedge project
- Includes growing directions and a color photo guide
- Listed as having a high germination rate
- Made in the USA by CZ Grain
Cons:- Seed-grown plants take time to develop into a privacy screen
- Best suited to partial-sun locations
- Product data does not state hardiness zones or mature size
Best for: Gardeners with a partial-sun site who enjoy starting evergreen hedges from seed and can wait for plants to mature
Not ideal for: Homeowners seeking immediate privacy, or those planting in full sun who need a shrub with a stated zone range
- Brand:CZ Grain
- Plant type:Shrub and hedge
- Botanical name:Thuja occidentalis
- Seed count:100
- Sun exposure:Partial sun
- Color:Green
- Manufacturer:CZ Grain
Our verdict“Pick these if you want to grow an American arborvitae hedge from seed and have the partial-sun site and patience it requires.”
Siberian Pea Tree Seeds for Planting, 100+ Caragana Arborescens Seeds, Hardy Shrub and Small Tree Seeds, Non-GMO Outdoor Garden Seeds
For a cold-climate gardener willing to handle seed preparation, Loseedsoo’s Siberian Pea Tree stands apart from the evergreen Thuja Green Giant choices. Caragana arborescens is presented as a hardy shrub or small tree for hedges, windbreaks, and privacy screens, with full sun to partial shade listed as suitable exposure. That flexibility gives it a wider range of planting spots than the American Arborvitae seed packet, which specifies partial sun. The tradeoff is the extra lead time: seeds need soaking and 30 days of cold stratification, followed by a listed germination period of two to four weeks. The description says zones 2–7, while the specs list 2–11, so the hardiness range is inconsistent. I’d verify local suitability before planting and skip it if you want a quick, evergreen screen.
Pros:- More than 100 seeds for a hedge or windbreak project
- Suitable for full sun to partial shade
- Described as cold-tolerant, with zones 2–7 stated in the description
- Non-GMO seeds with preparation steps provided
Cons:- Requires soaking and 30 days of cold stratification
- Germination is listed as taking two to four weeks
- Hardiness information conflicts between the description and specs
Best for: Cold-region gardeners who want to raise a hedge or windbreak from seed and are comfortable with stratification
Not ideal for: Buyers who need immediate screening, want evergreen foliage, or need a consistent hardiness-zone listing
- Brand:Loseedsoo
- Plant type:Shrub or small tree
- Botanical name:Caragana arborescens
- Seed count:100+
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness zones:Description: 2–7; specs: 2–11
- Item weight:1.6 ounces
- Seed preparation:Soak and cold-stratify before sowing
Our verdict“Choose these seeds for a patient hedge project in a cold region, after checking the conflicting zone information against your site.”
Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Liner (18-Pack) Privacy Trees
This 18-pack is my pick for a long boundary where speed and a substantial evergreen screen matter more than compact scale. The listed growth rate of 3–5 feet per year and dense foliage give it a clear privacy advantage over either seed packet, while the potted liners are ready to transplant. Compared with the single 1-gallon Thuja Green Giant, the pack supplies more plants for laying out a row, though each still needs watering and yearly fertilizing as described. The eventual size is the main constraint: up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide calls for room and a plan for pruning or placement. It is listed for zones 5–9 and full sun, and shipping excludes California and Arizona. I’d pass if the garden is small or regional shipping rules make it unavailable.
Pros:- 18 potted liners help establish a longer planting row
- Listed growth rate of 3–5 feet per year can shorten the wait for screening
- Dense evergreen foliage is suited to privacy and wind protection
- Deer and drought tolerance are listed
Cons:- Mature size can reach 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide
- Requires regular watering and yearly fertilization per the description
- Cannot be shipped to California or Arizona
Best for: Owners of large sunny properties in zones 5–9 who need to establish a long evergreen screen or windbreak
Not ideal for: Small-yard gardeners, residents of California or Arizona, or anyone unable to maintain a large mature tree
- Brand:Perfect Plants
- Pack size:18 liners
- Plant type:Thuja Green Giant arborvitae liner
- Sun exposure:Full sun
- Hardiness zones:5–9
- Growth rate:3–5 feet per year
- Mature size:Up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide
- Special features:Deer resistant; drought tolerant
Our verdict“Choose this pack for a spacious, sunny site where a fast-growing row of large evergreens fits the long-term plan.”
Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae Privacy Tree, 1 Gallon
If I needed one evergreen to start a screen in a sunny zone 5–9 garden, this 1-gallon Thuja Green Giant would be a more measured commitment than the 18-pack. It has the same listed growth rate of 3–5 feet per year and the same potential 60-foot height and 20-foot spread, so it offers no advantage in eventual scale; its value is buying one potted tree at a time. Compared with the Obsession Nandina, it is explicitly positioned for privacy, windbreaks, and noise reduction, while Nandina is a smaller shrub choice with seasonal color. Regular watering is needed, especially after planting, and the large mature size needs advance planning. A single tree will not create a full boundary screen by itself.
Pros:- Potted 1-gallon tree is ready for transplanting
- Listed growth rate of 3–5 feet per year
- Evergreen foliage is suited to screens, windbreaks, and noise reduction
- Deer resistance and drought tolerance are listed
Cons:- A single tree does not provide a complete privacy screen
- Needs regular watering, especially after planting
- Can grow up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide
Best for: Gardeners who want to begin a privacy row gradually with one potted evergreen in a sunny zone 5–9 site
Not ideal for: Buyers needing an instant, continuous hedge or gardeners without space for a tree that may reach 60 feet
- Plant type:Evergreen tree
- Container size:1 gallon
- Growth rate:3–5 feet per year
- Mature size:Up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide
- Hardiness zones:5–9
- Sun exposure:Full sun
- Watering:Regular watering
- Special features:Deer resistant; drought tolerant
Our verdict“Pick this single tree if you want to build a sunny-site privacy row gradually and have room for its large mature size.”
Southern Living Obsession Nandina Shrub, 2 Gallons
Obsession Nandina suits gardeners who want a shrub with seasonal foliage color and are comfortable trading the towering screen of Thuja Green Giant for a lower-scale planting. Its full sun to part shade range also offers more flexibility than the arborvitae options, which are listed for full sun. The 2-gallon container gives this pick a more established starting point than the American Arborvitae seeds, but the supplied details do not state mature height, width, or how fully it screens a boundary. That makes it harder to plan as a standalone privacy barrier. It is listed for zones 6–10 with low maintenance, though watering is still twice weekly until established and weekly afterward. I’d choose it for a mixed or decorative hedge, and skip it when a tall, dense evergreen wall is the main goal.
Pros:- Colorful foliage through the seasons adds visual interest to a hedge
- Full sun to part shade suits a range of garden exposures
- Listed for hardiness zones 6–10
- Low maintenance is listed once established
Cons:- Needs watering twice weekly until established and weekly afterward
- Mature dimensions and growth rate are not provided
- Less clearly suited to tall screening than the Thuja Green Giant options
Best for: Gardeners in zones 6–10 who want colorful shrub foliage in a mixed hedge or decorative privacy planting
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a tall, dense evergreen screen with a stated mature size or rapid growth rate
- Plant type:Shrub
- Container size:2 gallons
- Hardiness zones:6–10
- Light requirements:Full sun to part shade
- Watering while establishing:Twice weekly
- Watering after establishment:Once weekly
- Maintenance:Low
- Foliage:Colorful throughout the seasons
Our verdict“Choose Obsession Nandina for a colorful shrub planting where decorative appeal matters more than a tall, fast privacy wall.”
American Arborvitae Privacy Tree Seeds – Evergreen Hedge, 100 Seeds
American Arborvitae seeds suit gardeners who can wait for a large, lasting screen and want to grow it from the start. Their dense evergreen foliage can provide year-round cover and habitat for wildlife, while hardiness across USDA zones 2–7 makes them a colder-climate option compared with Nellie Stevens Holly, which is limited to zones 6–9. The tradeoff is time: these seeds need cold stratification, and the trees may take many years to approach their 40–60-foot mature height. That eventual size also calls for careful spacing, especially beside small gardens or structures. Compared with the already 2–3-foot Thuja Green Giant, this packet costs the buyer more time and growing work in exchange for a seed-grown planting project.
Pros:- Dense evergreen foliage can create year-round screening once established
- Cold hardy across USDA zones 2–7
- Provides dense cover that can support birds and other wildlife
- Packet contains 100 untreated seeds
Cons:- Seeds require cold stratification before planting
- Takes many years to grow into a tall privacy screen
- Mature height can overwhelm small gardens
Best for: Patient gardeners in colder regions who want to raise a wildlife-friendly evergreen screen from seed and have room for tall trees
Not ideal for: Gardeners who need immediate screening or have a small yard that cannot accommodate trees reaching 40–60 feet
- Seed count:100 seeds
- Plant type:Native evergreen conifer
- Growth form:Narrow pyramidal
- Mature height:40–60 ft
- Hardiness zones:USDA zones 2–7
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Soil:Well-drained loam
- Water needs:Moderate
- Seed treatment:Premium untreated
Our verdict“Choose these seeds if you have the space and patience to grow a cold-hardy evergreen screen over time.”
Brighter Blooms Nellie Stevens Holly Shrub – 1 Gallon
Nellie Stevens Holly is a strong fit for gardeners who want an evergreen boundary with seasonal color: its dense foliage screens the garden, and red berries may appear in fall and linger into winter. Compared with the seed-grown American Arborvitae, this 1-gallon shrub skips stratification and gives you a live plant to establish, though it still needs regular watering while young. It is also more compact at maturity than that arborvitae, but its potential 8–15-foot width means it needs real room. Berry production can vary with maturity and pollination, so I would not choose it solely for a reliable berry display. Its zones 6–9 also make it a poor fit for colder gardens where the American Arborvitae is suited.
Pros:- Dense evergreen foliage works for hedges and garden boundaries
- Red fall berries can add color into winter
- Tolerates full sun to partial shade
- Listed as deer resistant
Cons:- Mature width of 8–15 feet requires generous spacing
- Berry production varies with maturity and pollination
- Needs regular watering during establishment
Best for: Gardeners in USDA zones 6–9 who want a dense evergreen screen with the possibility of winter berries
Not ideal for: Gardeners in colder zones or tight planting spaces, since it needs room to spread and berry production varies
- Container size:1 gallon
- Mature height:15–25 ft
- Mature width:8–15 ft
- Hardiness zones:USDA zones 6–9
- Sun exposure:Full sun to partial shade
- Soil:Well-draining, sandy soil
- Berry season:Fall; varies with maturity and pollination
- Expected bloom period:Summer
- Deer resistant:Yes
Our verdict“Pick Nellie Stevens Holly for an evergreen screen with potential berry color if your climate and garden can accommodate its broad spread.”
Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (2‑3 ft)
For buyers who want a head start on privacy, the 2–3-foot Thuja Green Giant arrives as a live plant rather than seeds and is described as growing 3–5 feet per year. That makes it a more direct route to a tall screen than American Arborvitae seeds, which need cold stratification and years of growth. The tradeoff is that this speed still depends on suitable growing conditions; the listing specifies partial shade, sandy soil, and moderate watering. Deer resistance and no-pruning guidance may appeal to gardeners seeking a straightforward screen, though this pick offers fewer supplied details about mature size and climate range than Nellie Stevens Holly. Shipping restrictions also exclude Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon.
Pros:- Starts as a 2–3-foot live plant rather than seeds
- Listed growth rate of 3–5 feet per year can speed up screening
- No pruning is specified as necessary
- Deer-resistant foliage
Cons:- Shipping is unavailable to Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon
- Listed soil preference is sandy soil
- Product details do not specify mature height or hardiness zones
Best for: Gardeners who want to start with a 2–3-foot evergreen and prioritize faster screening with minimal pruning
Not ideal for: Buyers in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, or Oregon, or gardeners whose site does not suit the listed sandy-soil and partial-shade preferences
- Plant size:2–3 ft
- Growth rate:3–5 ft per year
- Sun exposure:Partial shade
- Soil:Sandy soil
- Moisture needs:Moderate watering
- Deer resistant:Yes
- Use:Outdoor
- Pruning:No pruning needed, according to the product description
- Shipping exclusions:Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Oregon
Our verdict“Choose this Thuja Green Giant if you want a live head start toward privacy and can meet its site preferences and shipping limits.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options by how directly they can meet a garden’s privacy needs: expected screening scale, evergreen or seasonal foliage, and whether the listing offers an established plant or seed. I also weighed the practical fit of each format. A larger plant may give a head start, while liners and seeds can suit buyers planting more widely who accept a longer wait and more early care.
The order favors adaptable, established evergreens first, with Green Giant Arborvitae leading because it is represented in multiple planting formats and is commonly chosen for taller screens. Compact shrubs follow for gardens where height or space is limited. Seeds and seasonal flowering shrubs rank lower for immediate, year-round privacy because they require more time or do not retain dense foliage through every season. These listings do not provide consistent mature dimensions or site-specific growing details, so I avoid treating a single size or growth outcome as guaranteed.
| privacy shrubs for garden | Sun exposure |
|---|---|
| Proven Winners 2 Gal Tater Tot | — |
| Proven Winners Sprinter Boxwoo | — |
| Perfect Plants Japanese Boxwoo | — |
| Perfect Plants Bridal Wreath S | — |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | — |
| American Arborvitae | Partial sun |
| Siberian Pea Tree Seeds for Pl | Full sun to partial shade |
| Perfect Plants Thuja Green Gia | Full sun |
| Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae P | Full sun |
| Southern Living Obsession Nand | — |
| American Arborvitae Privacy Tr | Full sun to partial shade |
| Brighter Blooms Nellie Stevens | Full sun to partial shade |
| Brighter Blooms Thuja Green Gi | Partial shade |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Privacy Shrubs For Gardens
Before choosing a shrub, I would map the view you want to block and the conditions the planting site can support. A hedge that looks suitable in a listing can disappoint if it is too short, too slow, or poorly matched to the garden.
Decide How Much Privacy You Need
Start by measuring the height of the sightline, such as a neighbor’s window or a street-level view. A low evergreen mound can define a patio edge but cannot screen an upper-story window. Tall arborvitae and holly are more relevant for boundary screening, though their mature size needs room. Check mature height and width for the exact plant variety before setting spacing. A common mistake is buying by the plant’s current height alone and overlooking the eventual footprint. If you only need a visual buffer around seating, several shorter plants may fit better than a full-height hedge.
Match the Plant to Your Site
Sun exposure, soil drainage, and local winter conditions affect whether a privacy planting thrives. Read the growing details for each variety and compare them with the actual planting strip, including dry spots near foundations and areas where water collects. A hedge stressed by poor drainage or unsuitable light can develop gaps that undermine privacy. Confirm hardiness and regional suitability with a local nursery or extension resource, since product listings may not cover every climate. Also check for mature width near paths, fences, and utility lines. Buying a plant that fits the site is usually more useful than choosing one solely for its screening reputation.
Choose Between Plants, Liners, and Seeds
Established plants provide a head start, while liners and seeds trade time for the ability to plant more locations at once. The Green Giant listings show how formats differ: larger individual plants are easier to place as focal screens, and an 18-pack of liners suits a longer run. Seeds are the slowest and least predictable route because germination and early growth vary. Before buying a multi-plant pack, confirm the number needed from the variety’s recommended spacing and your hedge length. Budget time for watering and care during establishment, especially for small liners. Avoid planting seeds when you need dependable screening soon.
Plan for Year-Round Coverage
Evergreen foliage is the straightforward choice when privacy matters in winter as well as summer. A deciduous or seasonal flowering shrub can still soften a boundary and add blooms, but it may expose views after leaves fall. Think about whether you need an opaque barrier or simply a layered garden edge. Mixing evergreen structure with flowering plants can add seasonal interest without asking one shrub to do everything. Leave enough room for airflow and mature spread; crowding plants too tightly can make maintenance harder and may leave the hedge uneven. Choose seasonal shrubs for privacy only when their leafless period is acceptable.
Account for Maintenance and Safety
Ask how much pruning, watering, and cleanup you are willing to handle over the life of the hedge. A formal boxwood edge may need shaping to keep a neat outline, while taller screening plants can become difficult to trim without access and suitable tools. Check whether the shrub’s berries, foliage, or seeds pose concerns for children or pets before planting. Holly and nandina, for example, have features that deserve a closer look in household contexts. Keep space to reach plants for watering and inspection rather than squeezing them against a fence. A privacy planting is a long-term garden feature, so maintenance access matters from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option makes the most sense if I need privacy soon?
Choose an established plant rather than either seed listing, since seeds need germination and substantial growth before they can screen a view. Among these options, the larger Green Giant listings offer a more developed starting point than the 1-gallon plant or liners, though actual coverage depends on site conditions and care. For a broadleaf evergreen alternative, Nellie Stevens Holly may suit a different garden style. Check the listed plant dimensions and mature spread before ordering. If the view is urgent, consider temporary screening while new shrubs establish.
Can I use Tater Tot Arborvitae or boxwood for a tall privacy hedge?
These compact choices are better suited to low screens, edging, or privacy around a small seating area than to blocking a tall sightline. Their smaller scale can be an advantage in a confined garden, where a large arborvitae hedge would occupy too much space. For screening windows or a boundary, compare their stated mature height with the obstruction you need to cover. A row of compact shrubs may still soften a view, but it is unlikely to provide the same vertical screen as Green Giant Arborvitae. Verify mature dimensions for the exact cultivar before planting.
Are the arborvitae seeds a good way to start a privacy hedge?
Seeds make the most sense when you are comfortable with a long timeline and variable germination. They do not provide the predictable head start of a nursery-grown shrub, and early seedlings need attentive care. For a hedge that needs to become useful within a more practical timeframe, the listed Green Giant plants or liners are better starting points. If choosing seed, check the seller’s guidance on sowing, germination, and regional growing conditions. Plan for possible gaps and replacements rather than assuming every seed will become a healthy screen.
Should I choose the 18-pack of Green Giant liners or individual plants?
The 18-pack is geared toward planting a longer hedge, while individual plants give you more flexibility for a short screen or a few focal points. Liners are smaller, so they generally require patience and attentive establishment care before filling a view. Individual listings may offer larger starting plants, but compare actual dimensions and quantities rather than relying on the product name alone. Work out spacing from the variety’s planting guidance and your hedge length before selecting a pack. A dense hedge still needs room for mature width and airflow.
Is Bridal Wreath Spirea suitable if I want privacy in every season?
It is a seasonal flowering option, so I would not choose it as the sole screen when year-round privacy is the goal. Its appeal is better aligned with a garden boundary where blooms and a softer appearance matter, and winter visibility is acceptable. Evergreen arborvitae, boxwood, or holly are more direct candidates for maintaining foliage through the year, subject to local conditions. You can also combine spirea with an evergreen backbone to add seasonal interest without losing all winter coverage. Check the plant’s mature size and local suitability before deciding how to layer it.
Conclusion
Best overall: I would start with an established Green Giant Arborvitae for a taller evergreen screen, choosing among the listed sizes based on coverage needs and patience. Best value for a long hedge: the 18-pack of liners fits buyers planting a longer run who can give young plants time to establish; the seed listings are for gardeners willing to wait even longer. Best for beginners: an established individual shrub is a simpler starting point than seed, and a compact boxwood or Tater Tot Arborvitae can be easier to place in a small garden. Best premium-style alternative: Nellie Stevens Holly offers a broadleaf evergreen look for buyers who prefer it to the narrow form of arborvitae. For compact screening, choose Tater Tot or boxwood; for seasonal flowers, choose Bridal Wreath Spirea only if winter privacy is not essential. Match mature size and site conditions to your garden before you buy.
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