Privets are incredibly fast-growing evergreen shrubs that can add a significant amount of height to your garden in just one growing season. Japanese Privet, in particular, is known for its rapid growth rate, easily reaching over 2 feet per year without much care or attention.
Even the smaller varieties, like the dwarf Sunshine Ligustrum, can put on an impressive amount of height in a short period. With proper care, they can grow up to a foot in a single growing season. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to quickly establish a dense, green hedge or add vertical interest to their landscape.
I have personally witnessed the rapid growth of Japanese Privet in my own garden. When I first planted a row of these shrubs along my property line, they were only a few feet tall. To my surprise, within just a couple of years, they had shot up to a towering height, providing both privacy and a beautiful backdrop to my garden.
The growth rate of privets can be attributed to their hardiness and adaptability. They are known to thrive in a wide range of soil conditions and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. This versatility allows them to grow quickly in various environments, making them a popular choice for many gardeners.
In addition to their rapid growth, privets also have the advantage of being evergreen, meaning they retain their foliage year-round. This ensures a lush and green appearance throughout the seasons, adding beauty and structure to your landscape even in the colder months.
To promote healthy and vigorous growth, it’s important to provide privets with some basic care. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will help keep them hydrated and encourage optimal growth. Applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring can also provide the necessary nutrients for robust growth.
However, it’s worth noting that privets have a tendency to spread and can become invasive if not properly maintained. Regular pruning is essential to keep them in check and maintain their desired shape. By trimming them back in early spring or late winter, you can encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
Privets are incredibly fast-growing evergreen shrubs that can add height and beauty to your garden in no time. Whether you choose the vigorous Japanese Privet or the more compact Sunshine Ligustrum, you can expect rapid growth of up to 2 feet or more per year. With proper care and maintenance, these versatile shrubs will reward you with a lush and vibrant landscape.
