- Privet loses its leaves in winter
- Some varieties keep their foliage particularly long
- Leaf shedding also depends on light and temperature
- Bonsai privet loses leaves in winter
- Privet loses its leaves in summer
It is often said that privet is an evergreen hedge plant. This is not correct, because the shrub sheds its leaves in autumn and winter. It is therefore quite natural for the privet to lose its leaves in winter.

Privet loses its leaves in winter
Like all deciduous plants, the privet sheds its leaves in autumn and winter. This is not a cause for concern as it is a completely natural process. Neither pest infestation nor diseases are responsible for the shedding of leaves.
The shrub will sprout vigorously again next spring and form many new leaves.
- Leaf shedding normal in winter
- some varieties stay green longer
- leaves hang longer in bright locations
- warm temperatures delay leaf shedding
Some varieties keep their foliage particularly long
The fact that the privet has gained a reputation as an evergreen hedge plant is due to the fact that some varieties, such as Atrovirens, keep the foliage on the bush for a particularly long time.
Sometimes it hangs until spring and is only discarded with new growth.
That is why Atrovirens is particularly often offered as a hedge plant, as this privet species is completely opaque for almost the whole winter.
Leaf shedding also depends on light and temperature
How long the foliage stays on the bush depends on various causes. The warmer it is outside and the more light the privet gets, the longer it takes for the leaves to fall off.
In a favorable location, the privet stays green longer in winter than in less ideal locations.
Bonsai privet loses leaves in winter
Even if you keep a privet in a tub as a bonsai, it loses its leaves in winter. You can delay the process a little by placing the bucket in a bright, but not too cool place.
Privet loses its leaves in summer
If the privet loses its leaves in spring or summer, it is often due to incorrect care. More rarely, fungal spores or pests are responsible for the shedding of the leaves.
tips
The leaves of the privet are not inherently green. There are many species of the shrub that have golden yellow foliage or even multicolored leaves. These varieties need a lot of sun to keep the leaf color.