Privet,
Ligustrum -
Shrub
Privet
is usually described as evergreen or semi-evergreen. It loses leaves
in the winter, but not all of them and many remain so it generally appears
evergreen, though not as fulsomely so in winter as summer.
Green privet
is almost an obligate hedging plant in that it must be kept cut otherwise
it becomes very open and loses its effect. Particularly good in windy
areas such as by the sea. The leaves are elliptical and dark green.
In lax hedges some shoots may flower and produce black fruit, grows
up to about 2m or more.
There are
variegated and yellow-leaved varieties available which are smaller than
the green-leaved type, these can be used for hedging or topiary in the
same way or as a part of a mixed border. The yellow variety in particular,
Ligustrum ovalifolium aureum has wonderfully scented if fairly
ordinary looking white flowers in the spring.
Height and
spread:
4m x 4m (12ft
x 12ft)
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Position:
full sun or partial shade, variegated varieties
develop the best color in full sun.
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Rate
of growth:
medium.
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Hardiness:
fully hardy Zones: 3 - 7
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