Privet

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Privet (lat. Ligustrum) - a genus of shrubs and trees of the Olive family. All there are about 50 species. Under natural conditions, privet grows in warm deciduous and floodplain forests, as well as oak and hornbeam groves. The plant is widespread in North Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Himalayas. A large number of privet is grown in Taiwan, Ukraine, the Caucasus, Japan, China, Moldova and Russia.

Characteristics of culture

Privet is an evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub or a small tree up to 5 m high with a wide spreading crown. Leaves are simple, whole-edged, pointed, opposite, leathery, oblong or spear-shaped, dark green in color, yellow or edged in some species. The flowers are small, white, have a pleasant pronounced aroma, collected in dense erect racemose or paniculate inflorescences. Privet blooms in June-July.

The fruit is a 1-4-seed drupe, poisonous, round, bluish-black with a glossy sheen, ripens in September-October and stays on the plant until mid-winter. Privet is distinguished by its rapid growth and drought resistance, but it cannot boast of winter hardiness. Among all known species, common privet is the most winter-hardy, other species can freeze to the very bottom. Some forms are able to recover from dormant kidneys, but this is extremely rare.

Growing conditions

Privet prefers well-lit areas, some species grow without problems in partial shade. Any garden soils, moderately moist with a neutral pH, are desirable. Acidic, saline, waterlogged and heavy clay soils are not suitable for growing crops. Soils with a high lime content are not prohibited.

Reproduction and planting

Privet is propagated by seeds, cuttings and layering. Seeds are subjected to long-term stratification before sowing. In central Russia, it is advisable to grow the culture by planting seedlings. It is recommended to purchase seedlings in specialized nurseries.

The planting pit is prepared in 2-3 weeks, its depth and width should be 30 cm and 60 cm more, respectively. When forming a hedge, the distance between seedlings should be about 30 cm, and 15-30 cm recede from paths, various buildings and other objects. Before planting, the seedling is lowered into a bucket of water for 1 hour. The pit is also poured with water, after it is completely absorbed, a mixture consisting of soil and compost in a 1: 1 ratio is spread on the bottom.

The seedling is lowered into a hole, the roots are spread and covered. For 3-4 weeks, the soil in the near-trunk zone is constantly kept in a moist state, then watering is carried out as needed. It is advisable to mulch the near-trunk circle with peat or healthy fallen leaves with a layer of 5-7 cm.

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Privet is an unpretentious plant, it needs loosening throughout the season. This procedure promotes better aeration and protects the root system from overheating. Mulching is an equally important crop care procedure. The first mulching is carried out in mid-May, it is at this time that the soil is sufficiently warmed up and moderately moist.

Privet is favorable to pruning. The shrub forms a densely branched crown, therefore, it also applies well to a haircut. Various decorative figures can be formed from plants, which will become a real highlight of the garden plot. Privet is cut in May and August. This should be done in the evening, immediately after cutting, the plants are covered with a damp cloth for 12 hours. Haircut during flowering is prohibited. Sanitary pruning is done in early spring. For the winter, the plants are bent to the ground and covered, and with the appearance of precipitation, they are poured with a thick layer of snow.

Water the privet about 5-6 times per season. Watering rate - 35-40 liters per 1 sq. m. Sparse and heavy watering is more effective than frequent and little watering. The culture has a positive attitude to feeding, it is enough to apply fertilizers every 2-3 years. Top dressing is carried out in early spring, when the average daily air temperature reaches + 5C. The plants themselves and the soil around them are sprayed with a 5% urea solution. In autumn, privet is fed with potash fertilizers (15 g per 1 sq. M).

Application

Privet is a highly decorative plant used in specimen, border and group plantings. Culture can be a great decoration for fences, walls of houses and other buildings. Traditionally, winter-hardy privet varieties are used to create hedges. The plant looks great in combination with perennials, shrubs and undersized trees.