Care & Feeding of a Privet Hedge
Privet Hedge at Night image by Gary Chorpenning from Fotolia.com
Privet hedges are members of the Ligustrum species of plants that tolerate heavy pruning and grow rapidly. They are glossy-leaved, semi-evergreen shrubs that become covered in sprays of white flowers at summer's end. Maintaining a well-formed privet hedge requires attention to a few cultural details.
Landscape Placement
Grow privet hedges in full sun to partial shade. They thrive in most soil types.
Watering
Privet hedges are drought tolerant, but water once a month during spring and summer to encourage optimum growth.
- Privet hedges are members of the Ligustrum species of plants that tolerate heavy pruning and grow rapidly.
- Privet hedges are drought tolerant, but water once a month during spring and summer to encourage optimum growth.
Fertilising
The University of Florida recommends feeding privet hedges three times a year in early spring, summer and fall with a 15-5-10 or 15-5-15 fertiliser at a rate of 0.318 Kilogram per 100 square feet.
Pruning
Privet is a vigorous grower that can reach 15 feet in height if not kept in check. Frequent severe pruning is necessary to maintain a hedge form.
Potential Pests
Pests that tend to attack privet are aphids, scales, whiteflies and spider mites. Check hedges regularly for infestations and apply the appropriate pesticide when necessary.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Julie Bawden-Davis is an accomplished writer, who specializes in home and garden. Since 1985, she’s written for a wide variety of publications, including “Organic Gardening,” "Better Homes and Gardens," "Ladies' Home Journal," "Parents," "Family Circle" and "The Los Angeles Times." Her books include "Fairy Gardening" and "Reader's Digest Flower Gardening." Bawden-Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and is a certified master gardener.