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Can I mix other hedge plants with privet?

alison.woodallalison.woodall Posts: 1
in Problem solving
I've cut back an established privet hedge substantially and I would like to plant some whips of other hedging plants to mix it up when it regrow.  I never see privet in mixed hedges though, so wondering if it doesn't grow/allow others to grow alongside. Any advice?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I don't see any reason why you can't plant other hedging in with it, unless the soil conditions or aspect etc were unsuitable.
    I expect the only reason it isn't seen in wildlife or mixed hedges, is because it's of less interest and benefit to wildlife. When it flowers, it's beneficial to bees and insects, but constant clipping means they often aren't allowed to flower. If left unclipped, they get quite big and unruly  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    We leave ours unclipped until the flowers are finished. It is often covered with bees and butterflies. The sparrows are all over it too. 
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    I have privet in a mixed hedge. It was brought by the birds and fits in nicely. You'll see it in mixed hedges in the countryside where it is more likely to be left to flower.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    As long as the other hedging plants are also vigorous growers it should be OK.  Slow growers may be swamped by the privet.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That was my take on it @KT53. It depends on the hedge, where it is, how it's going to be maintained,  and what's in it.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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