Because privet grows very quickly, it is so popular as a hedge plant. You can almost see how much the shrub grows each year. How fast does privet grow?
How fast and when does privet grow?
Privet grows up to 50 cm per year depending on the variety and requires a partially shaded or sunny location with permeable soil for optimal growth. It sprouts twice a year, with the first sprout in spring being stronger than the second from the end of May.
How fast does privet grow per year?
Privet grows up to 50 cm per year, depending on the variety. In the wild it can easily grow up to five meters high within a short period of time. In the garden, it is of course cut beforehand, in order to get a privet hedge thick as quickly as possible.
If you want to grow a hedge in the garden, you need to cut back the privet at least twice a year. Otherwise the shrub will only grow upwards and hardly form any branches in the lower areas.
It therefore takes some time until the hedge reaches the desired height.
Blooming twice a year
Privet sprouts twice a year. The first shoot is much stronger than the second. The first growth spurt occurs in spring, the second from the end of May.
When the privet doesn't grow
If the growth of the privet leaves something to be desired or if it doesn't grow at all, there could be various reasons for this:
- bad location
- Substrate not ideal
- Fungal infestation
- Pest Infestation
In the right location, privet grows faster
Privet doesn't like shady areas. It needs sufficient light to form shoots and leaves. Therefore, plant it in partially shaded or sunny locations if possible.
It tolerates neither complete dryness nor waterlogging. Make sure the soil is permeable and holds enough water but is not too wet. If necessary, create drainage (€14.00 on Amazon) before planting.
Do not fertilize too much or too often. The privet does not get an oversupply of nutrients.
Fungal infestation and pests
Diseases are rare and the privet usually copes well with them on its own. Only the black weevil can become a danger if it occurs very frequently. Its larvae eat the roots and prevent the shrub from being supplied with water and nutrients.
Tip
Privet is most often planted as a hedge in the garden. But it also looks good as a single shrub or topiary. The shrub tolerates pruning so well that you can grow it as a bonsai.
