Privet is a very robust plant that can cope well with almost all soil and location conditions. Occasionally gardeners complain that the shrub or hedge is not thriving. What causes privet not to grow properly and how can this be changed?
What are possible causes of privet not growing?
If a privet does not grow, this may be due to a location that is too dark, incorrect watering, excessive or insufficient fertilization or pest infestation such as the black weevil. Adjusting the location, proper care and pest control can help.
Why doesn't privet grow?
If the privet does not grow properly, it is usually due to a less than favorable location or incorrect care. Pests such as the black weevil are rarely to blame.
- Location too dark
- Soil with waterlogging
- Substrate too dry
- fertilized too much/too little
- Pest Infestation
A good location for privet
Privet thrives best in sunny and partially shaded locations. Direct shade is not good for the shrub. It needs light to form leaves and shoots. If the place is too dark, privet will grow very slowly or not at all.
Sufficient moisture is important
Privet always likes it slightly moist, but cannot tolerate waterlogging. If it stops growing, the soil may be too dry. You need to water the shrub or hedge well, especially after planting and cutting.
Waterlogging is even more harmful than dryness. Make sure that the substrate is well permeable to water. If necessary, create a drainage system.
Be careful when fertilizing
Privet does not need many nutrients. A one-time fertilization in spring with slow-release fertilizer or compost is usually sufficient. The shrub does not receive too much fertilizer. Too much nutrient supply can cause the privet to stop growing.
Examine soil for black weevil
The shrub is very robust, so pests usually cannot harm it. However, if it is taking care of it, it is worth taking a look at the roots. If you find feeding damage there, you should look out for the black weevil. The larvae eat the roots and shoots, so that the privet is no longer optimally supplied with water or nutrients.
Fight black weevils with nematodes (€10.00 on Amazon), roundworms, which you can get from gardening stores.
Tip
Before planting privet, place the shrub's root ball in a bucket of water for 24 hours. After planting, you need to water well, even if it has just rained.
