Japanese privet

Water Japanese privet lightly but frequently. Water during dry periods every 3-4 days, being sure that the soil is moist but not soggy. For best growth, add a layer of mulch, such as wood chips or bark, to retain moisture and to keep weeds down.

Japanese privet requires full sun for 6–10 hours a day, preferably in the morning. It can tolerate partial shade, but optimum growth is achieved when grown in full sunlight. This plant also prefers soils that are slightly acidic (pH 5-7). Though it can tolerate drier conditions, Japanese privet should be watered regularly and deeply so the roots can become well-established. Mulching can help to conserve soil moisture and prevent weed growth. Japanese privet should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer twice a year in spring and fall.

Japanese privet should be pruned twice a year, in the late spring and late summer. During pruning, remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and selectively thin out other branches if necessary to open up the canopy and reduce overcrowding. When pruning in the spring, focus on deadheading, as well as shaping and removing any branches that are crossing or rubbing against 1 another. During summer pruning, remove any straggly or vigorous sections that have outgrown their location. Generally, prune only as much as necessary to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.