The Natural Height of Privet Bushes

Growing Conditions

• The many species of privet bushes are best suited to growth in full sunlight to partial shade. To bring out the most vivid colors, plant variegated varieties in areas that receive full sunlight. Well-drained soil is a necessity, since too much moisture in the ground may cause root rot that can kill the privet bushes. Fortunately, privets are easy to grow and are not picky about the type of soil in which they're planted. Privets can also be grown easily as container plants and trimmed into a manageable size and shape.

Height of Varieties

• The natural height of a privet bush depends upon which species it belongs to. The golden privet (Ligustrum "Vicaryi"), U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 8, grows to a height of 6 to 12 feet. The Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum), USDA zones 8 to 10, also grows to heights of 6 to 12 feet and spreads from 6 to 8 feet. Making the aforementioned species look small, the Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum), also known as a glossy privet, USDA zones 8 to 10, grows 12 to 20 feet tall with a similar spread.

Trimming Privets

• Privet bushes look their best and stay tidier when trimmed regularly. Trimming privet bushes also keeps those varieties which grow to great heights more manageable and prevents them from becoming thin and wispy. To allow the lower branches of a privet shrub to receive as much light as possible, trim the upper branches shorter than the lower ones. Pruning privets regularly and severely during the first two years will help them become dense and thick.

Invasive Potential

• Before choosing to plant privet shrubs in your outdoor space, research the invasive potential of that particular species. The Japanese privet is reported as invasive in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. The Chinese or glossy privet is invasive in Florida, North Carolina and Texas. The California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium), USDA zones 5 to 8, is reported as invasive in Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.