When to plant Privet?

Privet is exceptionally tolerant of site conditions and will grow in full sun, partial shade, or even full shade, though it produces more flowers and denser foliage in brighter positions. It adapts to virtually any soil type—clay, loam, chalk, or sand—provided drainage is reasonable. Heavy clay benefits from a fork-over and the addition of grit or compost to prevent waterlogging, but privet is far less fussy than most hedging plants. Plant bare-root privet between March and May or in September and October, avoiding frozen or waterlogged ground. Container-grown plants can go in at any time during these windows, but autumn planting gives roots time to establish before the growing season. For a hedge, space plants 40 cm apart in a single row; for a denser screen, stagger two rows 30 cm apart with 50 cm between rows. The planting distance of 240 cm applies only to specimen shrubs grown as standalone features. Dig a trench or individual holes twice the width of the root ball and deep enough so the soil mark on the stem sits level with the surrounding ground. Bare-root plants should have roots spread out and any damaged ends trimmed cleanly. Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently with your heel to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting—even in autumn—to settle roots. Apply a 5 cm layer of well-rotted compost or bark mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stems to prevent rot. Newly planted privet benefits from a second watering a few days later if conditions are dry.