Fast‑growing plants are brilliant if you want quick impact in a garden; whether that’s filling empty borders, screening an ugly fence, creating privacy or getting lush greenery without waiting years. Here is a curated set of rapid growers using a visual plant list so you can compare them easily.
Climbers
Clematis × cartmanii ‘Avalanche’ – A vigorous, deciduous climber prized for its profusion of large, pure white flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. The elegant, star-shaped blooms stand out against dark green foliage, creating a long-lasting display. Ideal for training over trellises, pergolas, arches or fences, it adds vertical interest and brightens garden spaces. Grow in full sun or partial shade with roots kept cool in moist but well-drained soil. Clematis ‘Avalanche’ typically reaches 4 metres in height and 2.5 metres spread, offering enduring floral beauty.
Hedera ‘Glacier’ (Ivy) – A large evergreen climber, the shallowly-lobed leaves grey-green, with a narrow, irregular cream edge; no flowers. Ultimate height 1.5 – 2.5 metres, spread up to 1 metre. Tolerant of a range of soils and conditions but grows best in fertile, humus-rich well-drained alkaline soil in a sheltered spot.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia var. engelmannii (Virginia Creeper) – A vigorous, deciduous climber prized for its outstanding autumn colour and reliable growth. Fresh green, five-lobed leaves emerge in spring, forming dense cover through summer before turning brilliant shades of crimson and scarlet in autumn. Ideal for covering walls, fences and pergolas, it is self-clinging and requires minimal support. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, and moist but well drained soil, it typically reaches 8-12 metres in height with a spread of around 4–8 metres, providing dramatic seasonal interest and effective coverage.
Solanum jasminoides (Potato Vine) – A vigorous twiner with glossy dark green foliage. Pale blue or white delicate flowers emerge from June. Full height and spread 6 x 6m.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) – A vigorous, evergreen, woody climber which can reach between 8-12m in height. With twining stems, glossy dark green, oval leaves, often turning deep bronze-red in winter, it’s a wonderful addition to any sunny garden.
Clusters of highly fragrant, small white flowers smother the foliage from mid to late summer.
Wisteria floribunda f. rosea ‘Hon-beni’ – A stunning deciduous climber renowned for its spectacular cascading flower racemes and vigorous growth. In late spring to early summer, it produces abundant, fragrant clusters of soft pink to lilac blooms that hang elegantly from trained branches, creating a breathtaking display. Its vigorous, twining habit makes it ideal for pergolas, arches, walls, or trained over structures, while lush green foliage provides summer interest once the flowers fade. ‘Honbeni’ thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil. Combining dramatic floral impact, scent, and architectural beauty, it is a show-stopping feature in any garden.
Shrubs
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ (Cherry Laurel) – The foliage of this laurel is seemly much like the common Cherry Laurel however Novitas’ leaves are more slender and elongated. Flowers in spring turn to large deep dark purple berries in autumn, which is most attractive to wildlife. With these large dark green leaves and evergreen nature, it works very well as hedging, a screening plant or equally at home as a shaped specimen plant. This drought resistant plant will grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade but may become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils. Mature Height: 4–8m
Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ – A vibrant evergreen shrub renowned for its brilliant red foliage and versatile nature. This popular variety features glossy, leaves that emerge bright red, gradually maturing to deep green. Clusters of small, white flowers appear in spring, sometimes followed by red berries in the summer. Its dense and bushy growth habit, coupled with the striking coloration, makes it a favoured choice for hedges, screens, or as an eye-catching ornamental specimen in the garden. Height 4-8m Spread 4m. Grow in well drained or moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ (Rice Paper Plant) – A fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree with bold, tropical foliage. Its large, deeply lobed leaves, are a velvety green on top and softly hairy underneath, creating a dramatic, exotic look. In autumn, clusters of creamy white flowers appear. Thrives in well-drained soil in full sun and is perfect for creating a lush, tropical atmosphere and adding instant architectural interest to gardens. Height and Spread 4-8m.
Screening
Phyllostachys aurea (Golden Bamboo) – This is one of the strongest-growing and most useful evergreen bamboos available, making it ideal for hedging or screening purposes. It has light green canes which become a deep yellow when mature and reaching heights of five or six meters. Ideally suited to full sun or partial shade and tolerant of most soil conditions. It is generally well behaved but can spread in time so we recommend the use of bamboo root barrier if this is a concern.
Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) – Commonly known as black bamboo due to the nature of the young bright green canes turning a deep black in maturity, making a striking contrast with the long elegant green leaves. Height and Spread 2.5-4m. Prefers moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position in partial shade or full sun.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis (Bamboo) – One of the more popular bamboos due to its unique look and hardy nature. Its brightly coloured canes are a golden yellow with a flash of green stripe in the groove and occasional zigzags in the lower stems. Surging up from these canes is a flurry of lush green narrow lance shaped long leaves. Height 4-8m. Spread 2.5-4m. Prefers moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position and full sun or partial shade.
Herbaceaous perennials
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) – Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a charming perennial herb that graces gardens with its unique foliage and delicate blossoms. Characterized by its soft, velvety, scalloped leaves that collect dewdrops like glistening jewels, this plant adds an ethereal quality to any landscape. In late spring and early summer, Alchemilla mollis produces clusters of tiny, chartreuse-yellow flowers held aloft on wiry stems. Its low-growing, mound-forming habit makes it an excellent ground cover, thriving in moist, well-drained soils. Beyond its ornamental appeal, folklore associates Lady’s Mantle with alchemical properties, lending a touch of mystique to this enchanting garden favourite.
Bergenia ‘Harzkristall’ (Elephant’s Ears) – A tough, evergreen perennial prized for its bold foliage and delicate spring flowers. It forms large, glossy, mid-green leaves that can take on warm red or bronze tones in cooler weather, providing year-round structure and colour in the garden. In spring, upright stems carry clusters of pale pink to white, bell-shaped flowers that rise above the foliage and attract early pollinators.
Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane) – A charming and resilient perennial plant renowned for its delicate beauty. Originating from Mexico, this herbaceous species has spread its appeal globally. Characterized by small, daisy-like flowers with white or pale pink petals and golden-yellow centers, Erigeron karvinskianus forms cascading mounds of blooms, creating a picturesque carpet effect. Its slender stems bear tiny, lance-shaped leaves that emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed. Adaptability is a hallmark of this plant, thriving in various soil types and displaying remarkable resilience to drought conditions. Often used in gardens, hanging baskets, or as ground cover, Erigeron karvinskianus is celebrated for its low maintenance and ability to attract butterflies and bees, contributing to biodiversity. Its enduring bloom period, extending from spring to fall, enhances its popularity among gardeners seeking a resilient and aesthetically pleasing addition to their landscapes.
Geranium Rozanne (‘Gerwat’) – Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a remarkable perennial geranium known for its prolific blooms and easy-going nature. This cultivar boasts large, violet-blue flowers adorned with white centers, creating a striking contrast against deeply lobed, glossy green foliage. The blooms of ‘Rozanne’ are sterile, meaning they do not produce seeds. This characteristic contributes to the plant’s exceptional longevity in bloom, as energy that would otherwise be directed toward seed production is channeled into continuous flower production. Cultivating this geranium is straightforward, as it thrives in well-drained soil and partial to full sun. A hardy plant, ‘Rozanne’ is resilient in various soil types and adapts well to garden borders, containers, or rock gardens.
Mentha × piperita (Peppermint) – A strongly aromatic, herbaceous perennial native to the UK with stems and leaves flushed with purple. It produces terminal spikes of tiny, pale purple flowers in late summer. restrict the root run in a deep container and plunge into the ground, or plant in a well chosen site where it can grow unrestricted.
Need ideas and advice for your garden project?
First step is a visit to the Big Plant Nursery for inspiration where our plant experts are on hand to help 7 days a week.
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