What we love about privet is its quick growth. In no time he conjures up a high, opaque hedge in the garden. Unfortunately, however, its growth does not simply stop once it has reached the ideal shape for us. Its branches diligently strive both upwards and to the side. When can we hope for which growth or fear time-consuming cutting measures?
The typical rate of growth
Privet grows tall quickly. While a young plant still makes modest progress, depending on the variety, it later produces a proud annual increase of approx. 50 cm down.
- at the age of about 3 years she is approx. 80 cm high
- after 5 years up to 1.5 m
- then it goes on in 40-50 cm steps
In the wild, the bush, left to its own devices, can easily reach a height of up to 5 m within a few years. In a private garden, on the other hand, a large part of the new shoots fall victim to the scissors so that optimal branching is promoted. It must also hardly grow beyond 2 m, because that is the ideal hedge height. A specimen is rarely cultivated as a solitary. But even then this is usually limited in height.
Growth in two stages
The privet experiences two growth spurts within one growing season. The first and stronger growth spurt can be expected in spring as soon as the days get longer
and get warmer. The second shoot begins around the end of May. A cut previously made stimulates the growth in length.Important growth factors
It's not just the scissors that can affect its growth. The following factors also determine whether and how fast the privet grows:
- variety-specific growth characteristics
- Site conditions
- Soil condition
- care
- the health of the plant
Variety-specific properties
Not every privet variety grows equally quickly. Yes, there are even varieties that can be described as slow-growing. Here some examples:
- Zwergliguster is only about 80 to 100 cm high
- the annual increase is less than that of other species
- the common privet, bot. Privet vulgare, reaches heights of 2.5 to 4 m
- the variety "Atrovirens" even reaches 5 m
Since this olive plant is offered in a variety of ways in this country, you should look carefully at the planting Inquire about their respective growth characteristics and whether the future location with their requirements harmonizes.
Site conditions
Privet needs sun both to sprout in abundance and to achieve the expected growth in length
create. A partially shaded place is also tolerated, but can be answered with a weaker growth. What is out of the question is a shadowy existence. There even this high-growth plant will only take care of itself.Tip: When planting a privet hedge, make sure there is enough space between the individual plants so that they do not interfere with each other. If there are gaps, you can easily close them later by replanting.
Soil condition
The privet is only in good hands and grows as its genes allow in a nutrient-rich, loose and well-drained soil. Places that are prone to waterlogging or drought are to be avoided. In the first case, a drainage layer created before planting can help. Weeds should be consistently removed before and after planting, because they would compete with him for nutrients and thereby inhibit his growth.
Tip: Provide the young plants with a slow release fertilizer when they are planted so that rapid growth is possible right from the start.
care
In order for the privet to fully exploit its growth potential, it must be supplied with sufficient nutrients in good time.
- organic fertilization in the spring before budding is ideal
- for example with compost
- A green manure from the trade can also be used
- a layer of mulch provides nutrients
- at the same time prevents excessive evaporation of the soil moisture
- Soils with little lime must also be limed
Privet is not an excessive water user, but prolonged drought stalls its growth. You should therefore ensure a balanced water balance by watering it on hot days.
Tip: Don't overdo it with fertilizing. An oversupply of nutrients does not necessarily increase the rate of growth. On the contrary, the privet can grow as a result
slow down or even stop completely.Health of the plant
Various types of beetles and the tiny aphids occasionally stand in the way of the growth urge of these plants.
- a weak infestation is usually survived well
- stronger infestation should be fought
- otherwise the new shoot falls short of expectations
The black weevil can be really dangerous. Not only does it slow down growth, but it can also cost the plant its life if it occurs frequently. Fungal diseases can also be responsible for poor growth. They must either be combated with a suitable means, or the affected part of the shoots must be removed. It is best if diseases and pests do not appear in the first place. That is why the privet must be cared for and cared for according to its preferences.
Driving growth with cutting
Regular pruning of privet plants is not just about giving them a certain shape. The growth of its shoots is also stimulated by regular pruning. Without careful pruning, the lower parts of the plant were also bald because they can hardly be reached by sunlight. Proper pruning, in which the upper part of the plant is cut narrower than the lower part, ensures better light penetration. This also stimulates new growth in the lower areas.
- cut twice a year
- in spring and early summer
A privet that is not cut only grows in height while hardly branching out.
Respond to a lack of growth
A privet hedge that has not been properly pruned for a long time can weaken so significantly when it sprouts again in spring that it has to be pruned close to the ground. Of course, the other maintenance measures must also be checked at the same time.
