How High Will a Privet Hedge Grow?

Privet Heights

• Several types of privet plants are useful as a hedge, each with slightly different sizes and characteristics. The Japanese privet (Ligusgtrum japonicum) grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. A strong, sturdy plant, it reaches a height of up to 10 feet, with a 5- to 6-foot spread. The California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) has dark green leaves, fragrant white flowers and can reach a height of 15 feet at maturity, while vicary golden privet (Ligustrum vicaryi) is somewhat smaller, usually becoming about 6 feet tall when fully grown, and has golden yellow leaves when grown in full sun. These two privets grow in USDA zones 5 through 8.

Developing Shape

• Privets are exceptionally fast-growing plants, with the larger types adding up to 3 feet to their height each year when given proper conditions. When starting a new hedge with young plants, space Japanese privets about 5 feet apart and allow about 1 or 2 feet between California or vicary golden privet plants. During the first season, trim each plant severely two or three times, to promote branching near the base. As the plant fills out with smaller branches and foliage, shear it lightly so its base is a bit wider than its top. This form ensures light can reach the entire plant. Without this early training, the hedge may become tall and thin, with a flimsy base that's less dense than the rest of the hedge.

Conditions

• A privet hedge grows best in a spot that gets either full sun or partial shade, although vicary golden privet and variegated cultivars of other privets develop best color in full sun. In regions with hot summer sun, privet plants do well where they receive full sun in the morning, followed by light afternoon shade. Privets tolerate any type of well-drained garden soil but don't thrive when planted where the soil stays wet or soggy for long periods. Adding some sand to soil rich in clay can help improve its drainage. All privets tolerate urban conditions well and aren't subject to any significant pest or disease problems.

Varieties

• Among Japanese privets, the cultivar "Howard" has especially pleasing leaves that open as yellow and turn green gradually, with leaves in both colors present on the plant at the same time. Other Japanese privet cultivars include "Silver Star," with variegated leaves that have gray-green mottling and silver margins, and "Variegatum," which has green leaves with white edges and blotches. The California privet cultivar called "Argenteum" has green leaves bordered in white, while "Aureum" has yellow leaves, each with a central green spot and a golden yellow margin.