How fast does privet grow? How to Accelerate Growth

Different varieties of privet are very popular as a hedge plant. Of the liguster is considered to be easy to care for and fast-growing. Due to its cut resistance, a compact, opaque hedge can be used. However, there are a few things you need to consider to help the privet hedge grow.

Growth of privet

How fast the privet grows and what height it can reach depends on the species in question.

Averages

Privet plants, which are 2 to 3 years old, reach heights between 50 cm and 80 cm. After 4 to 5 years, the hedge already reaches a height of around 100 cm to 150 cm.

sorts

The common privet (Ligustrum vulgare) reaches a height of 200 cm to 450 cm. The variety Ligustrum vulgare `Atrovirens´, which is particularly popular as a hedge plant, grows even higher. This variety of privet can grow up to 3 m high.

However, hedges often stay smaller than solitary plants because they are then easier to keep in shape. The average annual increase in length is around 40 cm. However, the plants need good ones for this

Growing conditions. If the annual increase remains lower, maintenance errors should be looked for.

The dwarf guster

The cultivar Ligustrum vilgare `Lodense´, which remains small, is popular as a border. It only gets between 50 cm and 100 cm high and is one of the slow-growing varieties. The growth in length per year is less than that of the larger privet species.

Budding and balding of the bushes

Privet has two growth spurts per year, these take place in early spring and early summer. The first shoot is stronger than the second. In order to stimulate the growth in length, the bushes should be cut beforehand.

The faster and taller the plants grow, the easier it is for the hedge to begin to blot in the lower area. That is why privet hedges should be cut regularly will. As a result, the plants form many new and branched shoots that quickly grow in length.

Accelerate growth

These are the points to keep in mind if you want to accelerate the growth of the privet:

• choose optimal location conditions
• proper planting
• sufficient fertilization and watering
• carry out necessary cutting measures regularly
• Avoid or fight

Site conditions

For optimal growth, choose a sunny or partially shaded, well-ventilated place. The soil should be rich in nutrients, loose, permeable and calcareous. If the latter is not the case, lime can be added. You should avoid locations that tend to waterlogging, as well as places that are too dry and full shade.

planting

Do not choose the plant spacing too narrow, otherwise the plants would hinder each other as they grow. You can plant any gaps that arise later.
You should dig the planting hole large enough for the root ball, mix the soil with fertilizer and, if necessary, lime. However, you must not damage the roots of the bushes when planting them. Press the soil well and water vigorously. Then mulch the area around the plants to suppress weeds and ensure the supply of nutrients over a longer period of time.
Then the privet plants are cut back, this stimulates growth and the bushes grow denser.

Fertilizing and watering

A sufficient supply of nutrients is important for the privet to grow faster. The plants are fertilized once a year, preferably in spring. Organic fertilizers such as compost or artificial fertilizers such as green plant fertilizer are suitable for this. Continuous mulching of the plants reduces water evaporation and also fertilizes the soil.

Lime is necessary in the case of lime-poor soil and water.
However, privet doesn't need a lot of water. However, even moisture supports the growth in length of the plants. Therefore, it makes sense to water the privet thoroughly from time to time in dry summers. Drought does not harm the plant, but it stops growing.

Cutting measures

The annual maintenance cut

The privet hedge will twice cut annually. Shoots that are too long are removed and the entire hedge is shortened. This stimulates healthy new growth. The right times are in spring and early summer.

The radical cut back

If the hedge becomes misshapen or bald, you should cut back the plants close to the ground. The same applies if old plants do not show vigorous new shoots in spring. Because the strong pruning stimulates plant growth, the shoot is more branched, the hedge grows denser. You should cut in the winterwhen the bushes are dormant.

The following must be observed with all cutting measures:

• Completely cut away sick or dead branches
• use clean, sharp and suitable tools
• Pay attention to smooth cut edges

Avoid pests and diseases

Another important point for optimal privet growth is avoiding pests and diseases. Aphids and various herbivorous beetles prevent the privet hedge from growing. You can easily collect larger pests; if the infestation is very severe with aphids, it can also be useful to control them with a product from specialist retailers. You can treat fungal diseases by cutting away infected branches or using a fungicide.