If you simply let a privet grow, it can reach a considerable height. However, it is often shortened as a hedge. How tall can privet get and how fast does it grow?

Privet can grow into a stately hedge

How tall does privet grow?

In the wild, a privet can grow up to four meters high, depending on the variety. This is not desirable in the garden, which is why the shrub is trimmed regularly.

This is also important, otherwise privet will wither over time. This is because daylight no longer reaches the lower regions of the shrub. However, light is needed so that the privet can develop new shoots and leaves.

For this reason, privet is not grown in the shade, if possible, but in a sunny to partially shaded location.

  • Up to four meters high
  • Shoot growth up to 50 cm per year
  • twice a year

Shorten the height of the privet hedge

The height of the privet hedge in the garden depends on your personal wishes. You can pull a huge privacy screen on the fence, or just make small boundaries within the garden.

To reduce the height of the privet, simply prune it in spring or fall. You should not simply shorten the bushes straight, but rather let them taper to prevent the lower areas from becoming bare. More light then falls into the lower hedge area.

Privet is very fast growing

Privet grows very quickly. The shoots can grow up to half a meter in length every year. If left uncut, they won't branch as much. That is why they are shortened so that the privet hedge is nice and tight.

The cutting tolerance of privet is very good. Even if you cut it down to the old wood or stick, it will reliably sprout again.

Two sproutings per year

Like most hedge plants, privet sprout twice a year, in spring and August. A later sprouting can take place if the shrub is cut again in autumn.

tips

If you shorten or clear privet in height, observe the regulations of your municipality. In the warm season from April to September, heavy cutting is not allowed, so as not to disturb breeding animals.

Category:

Garden design