Privet is a shrub that likes it very bright. You should therefore not place it directly in the shade. Other hedge plants such as thuja or cherry laurel are more suitable for very shady locations.
Privet likes sunny locations
Do not plant privet too much in the shade
Although privet can get along with almost any location, it is not a pronounced shade plant. It won't die in the shade, but will grow very slowly if it doesn't get enough light.
In addition, it will wither over time if not enough sunlight reaches the lower regions of the shrub. In particular, species that have a beautiful color, such as the gold privet, need a lot of sun so that the leaves keep their color.
Suitable locations for privet are:
- Sunny locations (morning and evening sun)
- little direct midday sun
- under taller trees
- penumbra
Avoid blazing midday sun
Even if the privet likes it rather sunny, the young shrubs don't do well if they are exposed to too much direct midday sun.
This is especially true in winter, as the shrubs evaporate a lot of water through the remaining leaves when the sun is shining. If the ground is frozen, the loss of liquid cannot be compensated. The bush then dries up.
A young privet hedge therefore thrives better under light shade from taller trees or light sun protection. The sun doesn't bother older shrubs as much.
Privet is not evergreen
Although privet is often offered as evergreen, this is not entirely correct. This misunderstanding occurs because the shrub retains its foliage for a very long time. It often only falls off in the course of winter or even when the young leaves shoot out again.
The brighter the location, the longer the leaves stay on the bush. This is important for privet hedges, as they are opaque for much longer in a light location. Therefore, do not plant a privet hedge directly in the shade, but choose a partially shaded or sunny spot.
tips
Never cut privet straight, choose a conical shape. As a result, the shrub also gets enough light in the lower regions and does not wither as quickly.