Japanese privet: when and how to prune

Japanese privet: when to prune it?

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Trim in June and in August. The flowers appear in July–August, so a lighter trim keeps part of the bloom.

What else to prune in those months? June · August

Japanese privet: how to prune it?

1. Cut new shoots back each time to a few pairs of leaves, with sharp secateurs or shears.
2. With such large leaves, prefer secateurs to an electric hedge trimmer so the leaves are not shredded.
3. Remove dead, weak or crossing branches completely and keep the crown or hedge open enough for light.
4. For a trained tree or a tree on a stem: remove shoots on the trunk and reshape the crown every year.

How much to cut, and how often?

• There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
• Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in June and August can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Japanese privet flowers in July–August, when it attracts bees.
• If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Privet
• Wild privet
• Delavay privet (Ligustrum delavayanum)
• Barberry
• Blackcurrant
• Blackthorn

Plant profile: Japanese privet · Pruning calendar and basic rules