The privet is highly valued because of its fast growth. Like almost all plant species, it sprouts twice a year. Pruning also depends on this, which must be done up to three times a year for privet. When does privet sprout?
When does privet sprouting take place?
The privet sprouts twice a year: the first sprouts take place in early spring (February to March), while the second sprouts occur from the end of May to the end of June. Pruning should be carried out before the first and after the second shoot.
Privet sprouts twice a year
Twice a year the privet increases in size. The first shoot is particularly strong, the second is much less pronounced.
When pruning, it is important to know exactly when the privet sprouts. Cut once before the first shoot and once after the second shoot.
First shoots in spring
The first shoots begin in early spring. If you want to cut back the privet heavily and rejuvenate it, you should use the time before it sprouts. Cut the bush from February to March.
Then there is no risk of disturbing breeding birds while they are nesting.
In addition, do not cut off the inflorescences, which are very popular with bumblebees and butterflies. The berries in autumn are also an important source of food for birds.
Second shoots from May
It takes a few weeks after the first sprouting until the privet has gathered enough strength for the next spurt. It starts at the end of May, but is significantly weaker than the spring growth.
From now on you should no longer cut back the privet so much. This doesn't really affect the bush itself, but it's forbidden almost everywhere because the birds' breeding season has begun.
The second shoot ends at the end of June. From now on you can cut the privet back into shape.
Privet doesn't sprout
If privet leaves fail to sprout, various reasons can be responsible for this:
- Location too dark
- Substrate too dry / too moist
- too much / too little nutrients in the soil
- Diseases or pest infestations
Maintenance errors or poor locations are usually responsible when the privet does not grow. Avoid waterlogging and ensure that the soil does not dry out too much. It is better to fertilize less than too much.
Tip
Falling or discolored leaves indicate either a care error or an infestation by pests or fungi. If you ensure optimal conditions, then even diseases cannot harm the robust shrub.
