The privet hedge is one of the most popular hedge plants in Germany. No wonder: it is hardy, grows quickly, is versatile and provides a valuable habitat for birds and insects. At the same time it remains harmonious and elegant, both as a rigorously trimmed hedge and as a free-growing property border.
In this article you will find out everything you need to know: which types of privet are suitable for hedges (and how they differ), how to plant a privet hedge correctly, what location it needs, how it is cared for and cut and whether it even suits your garden.
Which types of privet are suitable for hedges?
Basically, two types are particularly common:
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Privet vulgare 'Atrovirens' (Winter green privet): This variety is native and particularly winter-hardy. It grows a little more slowly and with less flexibility than the oval-leaved privet (see below), but it retains its leaves even during the winter. It is a good choice especially for gardens close to nature, as it is more ecologically valuable and fits harmoniously into the landscape.
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Liguster ovalifolium Auream (Goldliguster): This variety is the variegated version of the oval-leaved privet. With its yellow-green edged leaves, it adds color to the hedge and is particularly decorative. It grows a little slower and usually stays shorter than green varieties, but is just as hardy and tolerates cutting. If you want to add a colorful accent to your garden in addition to privacy protection, you will find a nice alternative in the Gold Privet. It also adapts well to combinations with other green hedge plants and for medium-low height hedges.
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Privet ovalifolium (ovate-leaved privet): This privet is semi-evergreen, growing very densely and vigorously. However, it is less common in Germany because it often loses its leaves in harsh winters and is not frost-resistant. We therefore do not carry it and recommend Atrovirens.
All varieties are extremely cut tolerant and long-lived. Golden privet is suitable more for decorative, low to medium hedges and less for very high, closed hedges for privacy.
Location of privet hedge: where does it grow best?
Privet is a true all-rounder. He feels more comfortable on one sunny or partially shaded positionbut also in the shade it grows reliably, if a little looser. This makes it ideal for home gardens with changing lighting conditions. A sunny position is particularly recommended for golden privet, as this is where it shows its golden yellow color best.
Privet is also frugal when it comes to soil. It grows almost all garden soilsprovided there is no water stagnation. One is optimal nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained soil. On very sandy soils, it is worth incorporating some compost or potting soil so that the hedge does not dry out too quickly. In heavy clay soils, it is helpful to mix coarse sand or gravel when planting to improve permeability.
Advantage: Privet is Urban climate resistant, wind resistant and winter resistant and therefore also perfect for front gardens on busy roads or more open places with drafts.
Planting privet hedges: step by step
The best time to plant a privet hedge is Autumn (September to November). Then the soil is still warm, the plants can root well and get off to a good start in spring. Planting in spring (March to May) is also possible, but requires more intensive watering in the first few weeks.
When planting you should consider the following points:
- Prepare the planting pit: Instead of digging a single hole for each plant, a continuous trench is recommended. This will make it easier to line up the plants in line.
- Planting distance: For a dense hedge, use bare-root plants 3-4 pieces per meterfor plants in containers, 2-3 per meter are often sufficient.
- Planting depth: Make sure the plants are no deeper in the soil than before. The roots should be just below the soil surface.
- Cast: After sowing, compact the soil lightly and water abundantly. This ensures a connection to the soil and prevents air holes from forming in the roots.
Tip: After planting, cut young plants by about a third. This means they branch better and form a dense hedge more quickly.
Caring for a privet hedge: sturdy but grateful
A privet hedge is easy to care for and requires little effort. However, it is worth paying a little attention:
- Deposit: In the first two years after planting, you should water regularly so that the hedge takes root well. Afterwards it is enough to help with prolonged dryness.
- Fertilize: A long-term dose of compost or organic fertilizer in spring ensures healthy growth and lush foliage. For sandy soils, a second light fertilization in summer is worthwhile.
- Mulching: A thin layer of mulch around the plants protects the soil from drying out and suppresses weeds.
Cut the privet hedge: this way it stays in shape
The great advantage of privet: it is extremely compatible with cutting. Radical cutting of old wood is also tolerated.
- Form: If you want an evenly thick, well-cut hedge, you should prune twice a year: the main pruning at the end of June after the birds' breeding season and a subsequent pruning at the end of August to maintain the shape.
- Natural hedges: If you prefer a slow-growing hedge, simply shorten individual shoots every one to two years. This means that the hedge retains its flower and fruit production, which makes the birds and insects happy.
- Cutting technique: Cut the hedge into a slightly trapezoidal shape, i.e. wider at the bottom than at the top. This means that the lower branches also receive enough light and the hedge does not become bare.
Tip: When cutting between the end of March and the end of June, pay attention to nesting birds and check the hedge first.
Benefits of a Privet Hedge
- Rapid growth: Within a few years you will have an opaque privacy screen in your garden
- Durable: With proper care, a privet hedge can last for decades.
- Ecologically valuable: Dense branching = nesting place for birds, flowers for insects, berries as food for birds (poisonous to humans).
- Versatile: From strictly geometric cuts to freely natural ones.
- Robust: It tolerates urban conditions, frost and occasional drought.
Is a privet hedge suitable for your garden?
A privet hedge is a real all-rounder and fits into many garden styles:
- Modern gardens: As a hedge rigorously cut for clear lines.
- Natural gardens: Sparsely growing hedge providing a habitat for animals.
- Small front gardens: With a regular cut it remains slim and elegant.
- Large plots: Perfect as a long property border or combined with other shrubs in a mixed hedge.
In short: if you’re looking for an easy-care, flexible and long-lasting hedge that combines privacy and natural value, privet is a great choice!
Conclusion
The privet hedge is rightly a classic. It grows quickly, is robust, easy to cut and ecologically valuable and fits into almost all garden styles. Whether a strict formal hedge or a loose natural hedge: with privet you choose a hedge that will accompany you for many years.
Here you can find the "classic" privet Atrovirens as a root product and the same privet as a pot plant. And here is the golden privet.
Do you still have questions about your privet hedge before planting it? Feel free to contact us!
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