If you want to transform your garden quickly without waiting years for growth, fast growing flowering bushes are the perfect choice. They provide a burst of colour, lush greenery, and even attract pollinators — all while filling out your garden space in just a season or two. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing bed, here are some of the best options to consider.
1. Forsythia
Forsythia is one of the earliest blooming shrubs in spring, with bright yellow flowers that cover bare branches before leaves appear. It can grow up to 3 metres in just a few years, making it ideal for hedges or borders. A light trim after flowering will keep it neat and encourage even more blooms.
2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Known for its fragrant, cone-shaped clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers, the butterfly bush grows rapidly — sometimes more than a metre in a single season. As the name suggests, it’s a magnet for butterflies and bees, making it a great choice for wildlife gardens.
3. Weigela
Weigela is a hardy shrub that produces trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. It’s fast-growing and easy to maintain, often reaching its full size in just a couple of years. Many varieties have attractive foliage that adds colour even when not in bloom.
4. Hibiscus Syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
This deciduous shrub offers exotic-looking blooms in mid to late summer, when many other plants have finished flowering. It’s fast-growing and adaptable, thriving in most soil types and sunny positions.
5. Hydrangea Paniculata
Hydrangea paniculata is one of the quickest-growing hydrangea varieties. Its large cone-shaped flower heads start white and mature to pink or green. It grows quickly and makes a bold statement in mixed borders or as a standalone feature.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right location — most flowering shrubs prefer full sun for the best blooms.
- Feed and water well during the first year to establish strong roots.
- Prune wisely to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Fast growing flowering bushes are a fantastic way to get instant impact in your garden. By choosing varieties suited to your climate and soil, you can enjoy a vibrant, colourful display within just a season or two.