Privet is a total staple in the gardening world, whether you’re looking for a standout specimen shrub or a classic, reliable hedge. I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about planting privet so your shrubs stay happy and healthy for years to come.
Ways to Use Privet in Your Landscape
One of the best things about privet is how versatile it is. You can use it as:
- A beautiful standalone specimen shrub,
- A potted plant for your patio or balcony, or
- A classic privet hedge.
Finding the Perfect Spot
No matter how you plan to grow your privet, the most important thing to consider is light. Privet absolutely loves the sun! While it won’t die in full shade, a lack of light usually leads to leggy branches and slower growth. The sunnier the spot, the happier your privet will be—and it’ll show its appreciation by growing thick, lush, and fast.
When is the Best Time to Plant?
Privet is incredibly hardy, which means you can technically plant it year-round. However, for the best results, I recommend planting in the spring or fall. The natural soil moisture during these seasons means you won’t have to be out there with the hose quite as often. If you decide to plant right before winter, just make sure to give your young plants a little extra protection. Since their root systems aren’t fully established yet, they’ll need a bit of help braving the first big freeze.
How to Plant Your Privet
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s the step-by-step:
- Dig a hole about twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- To give your plant a nutritional boost, mix the soil you dug out with some compost or organic fertilizer like horn meal.
- Place your privet in the hole, fill it back up with your soil mix, press down firmly to remove air pockets, and give it a good soak.
Getting the Spacing Right
Don’t forget to give your plants some breathing room! Proper spacing is key. If you’re planting a hedge, aim for about 20 inches (50 cm) between each plant. This gives the roots and branches enough space to develop without competing, but it’s still close enough to create that dense, private screen we all love. If you’re planting a single shrub, just make sure it has enough room to reach its full size without crowding its neighbors.
Post-Planting Care
For the first few weeks, your young privet will need regular watering to help those roots settle in. Even in the winter, make sure to give them a drink on days when the ground isn’t frozen. Pro tip: Give your privet a heavy pruning right after planting. It might feel a little drastic, but this initial cut encourages the plant to branch out, leading to much thicker, denser growth—which is exactly what you want for a privacy hedge!
