Seattle homeowners know the value of a little extra privacy. Whether it’s blocking out a neighbor’s window, softening street noise, or simply creating a cozy green retreat, the right evergreen shrubs can transform a yard into a private oasis. Because our Northwest climate offers mild winters, wet springs, and dry summers, many shrubs thrive here year-round and give you a living fence that looks good in every season. Below are 20 of the best privacy shrubs for Seattle yards, with details on their mature height, spacing, watering needs, and sun preferences so you can find the perfect match for your space.
1. Waxleaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
Reaches 10–15 ft tall; plant 3–5 ft apart for a dense hedge. Moderate watering until established, then drought-tolerant. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
2. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Compact, topping out at 6–10 ft. Space 2–4 ft apart. Likes regular watering, especially in dry summers. Prefers full sun but tolerates shade, perfect for townhome gardens.
3. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Green Giant’)
Can soar up to 50–60 ft tall. Space 5–8 ft apart. Needs steady watering the first 2 years. Loves full sun but can take partial shade.
4. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)
Maxes out at 12–15 ft with a narrow form. Plant 2–3 ft apart. Moderate water needs, especially in heat. Best in full sun.
5. Yew (Taxus spp., e.g., Hicksii)
Grows to 10–20 ft tall depending on type. Space 3–5 ft apart. Tolerates drought once established. Thrives in full sun to deep shade.
6. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Usually 4–8 ft tall. Plant 2–3 ft apart. Requires steady moisture but doesn’t like soggy soil. Best in partial shade, though it tolerates sun with care.
7. Rhododendron
Varieties range from 6–20 ft tall. Space 3–6 ft apart. Needs consistent moisture, never waterlogged. Prefers part shade, thriving under taller trees.
8. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Native shrub reaching 6–10 ft tall. Plant 3–5 ft apart. Minimal watering once established. Handles sun or shade, great for natural borders.
9. Dwarf Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa)
Stays 2–3 ft tall. Space 2–3 ft apart. Very low water needs. Excellent in deep shade—a true Northwest understory shrub.
10. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Can reach 12–20 ft tall but usually kept smaller. Space 3–4 ft apart. Likes moderate water. Best in full sun to light shade.
11. Ceanothus (California Lilac)
Ranges 6–12 ft tall depending on type. Space 4–6 ft apart. Drought-tolerant after year one. Needs full sun for best flowering.
12. Elaeagnus × ebbingei
Grows 10–15 ft tall. Space 4–6 ft apart. Low watering needs. Handles sun or partial shade with ease.
13. Camellia
Slow-growing to 8–12 ft tall. Plant 3–5 ft apart. Consistent watering helps flower buds set. Prefers partial shade in Seattle’s climate.
14. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
Can grow 15–20 ft tall. Space 6–8 ft apart. Needs regular water when young, then drought-tolerant. Thrives in full sun.
15. Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)
Compact, 8–12 ft tall. Space 4–6 ft apart. Water regularly in summer. Best in full sun, but tolerates partial shade.
16. Juniper (upright types)
Varies, but often 8–15 ft tall. Space 3–5 ft apart. Very drought-tolerant. Prefers full sun, tolerates poor soils.
17. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Reaches 8–15 ft tall. Plant 4–6 ft apart. Needs consistent moisture but not soggy soils. Best in partial shade.
18. Hick’s Yew (Taxus × media ‘Hicksii’)
Grows 10–20 ft tall. Space 3–4 ft apart. Water moderately, drought-tolerant later. Thrives in sun or shade, a versatile hedge choice.
19. Golden Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium ‘Aureum’)
Typically 8–12 ft tall. Space 3–5 ft apart. Regular watering first two years. Loves full sun for brightest foliage.
20. Photinia (Photinia × fraseri)
Reaches 10–15 ft tall. Plant 3–5 ft apart. Moderate water needs. Prefers full sun to light shade, with red spring growth that pops.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right shrub is about more than just filling space — it’s about creating a yard that feels private, peaceful, and easy to maintain year after year. From fast growers like arborvitae and privet to Northwest natives like Oregon grape and rhododendron, Seattle homeowners have plenty of options that thrive in our climate. If you’re not sure which plants will work best for your yard’s soil, sun exposure, or long-term maintenance goals, it helps to get professional advice before you plant. A little planning up front means your hedge will grow in healthy, look great, and save you from costly mistakes later.
