Common Privet Bonsai Care Guide

In temperate climates, the common privet is reliably hardy and needs no special winter protection. It can be kept in full sun during the summer. 

From spring to autumn, common privet requires watering regularly. Between each watering, the surface of the soil must be allowed to dry. During the winter, the soil must kept moist. 

Two applications for this species of moderate appetite – one during the spring and one in late summer – use a general fertiliser. 

This fast-growing and vigorous species is best pruned in the summer but can take place any time across the year. During the growing season pinching out new shoots should be done consistently. Robust pruning can include cutting back to the trunk, this specimes cuts heal fast. 

Wiring applies to the branches at any time of the year. They should not be left in the plant for longer than a season only wire shoots that have been formed in the current season. We recommend using wires with a thickness that matches the thickness of the branch: if the wire you choose is too thick you will damage the bark. If it is too thin, it won’t be effective.

Repotting your tree is an important way to provide a fresh and suitable soil mix and ensure appropriate root health. If the roots become pot-bound, repot your Common privet every year at the start of spring. Otherwise, repot every other year in early spring.

Trees that are ready for repotting will require root pruning, a suitable new pot and appropriate soil mix.

When repotting, do not cut back the root mass by a large amount, and choose a well-draining soil mix that has a neutral or slightly higher PH value of 5-6 but not over 7. We tend to use a mixture of different speciality bonsai soils on our trees. Every species is different so please contact us for free soil-mix advice or to take advantage of our repotting service.