Privet Hedge Care Tips: How to Grow and Care for Privet

Privets (Ligustrum spp.) are ornamental shrubs commonly used in landscaping as privacy hedges. Privet hedges can reach heights upwards of fifteen feet to fifty feet tall. Their lance-shaped, glossy green leaves form a wall of thickets perfect for creating a privacy screen. Their dense growth habit also makes them a prime specimen for topiary purposes. In addition, privets are flowering shrubs. In early summer, small, tubular white flowers bloom on panicles, emitting a strong fragrance that some find unpleasant. In late summer, certain varieties produce attractive black berries that are poisonous to humans.

Privets can thrive in a wide range of hardiness zones. In warmer areas, you can grow privets year-round as semi-evergreen or evergreen shrubs. In cooler climates, you can grow privets as deciduous shrubs. However, deciduous shrubs will drop their leaves in the fall, negating their usefulness as a hedge shrub.

Privets belong to the genus Ligustrum, which is part of the olive family (Oleaceae). There are several different varieties of privets.

1. 1. Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum): Japanese privet is hardy in USDA zones five to eight. It can grow up to fifteen feet tall by fifteen feet wide.
2. 2. Glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum): This privet species can grow to the gargantuan size of fifty feet tall. It is hardy in USDA zones seven to ten. It is considered an invasive species in Florida and California.
3. 3. Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense): This privet variety grows as a small tree and can reach a mature height of thirteen feet tall. It is considered an invasive plant in most parts of the southeastern United States. The variegated form of Chinese privet is considered less environmentally hazardous.
4. 4. California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium): This privet variety takes very well to shaping and makes an excellent hedge. It is hardy in USDA zones five to nine.
5. 5. Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare): Also known as European privet or wild privet, this privet variety can reach heights of up to fifteen feet tall. They're not especially ornamental, making them one of the least desirable privet varieties. In the summer, they produce poisonous berries that look like blackberries.
6. 6. Golden privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum'): This cultivar grows up to ten feet tall and has bright yellow foliage. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones five to eight. In cooler climates, the leaves turn a purple-red color in the fall.
7. 7. Amur privet (Ligustrum amurense): This deciduous shrub variety can be grown in hardiness zones three to seven. It has pale green foliage and produces creamy white flowers.

In some areas, the privet shrub is considered an invasive species. Privets are extremely resilient and tenacious growers. Their ability to adapt to low-light conditions allows them to outcompete and displace native plants. They can also reproduce sexually and asexually, allowing them to spread quickly. Before planting privet, check to make sure the species of privet you plan on planting is acceptable in your area. Boxwoods are a low-maintenance alternative that will provide a similar effect.

Before planting a privet hedge in your garden, check to make sure the privet species is suitable for your area.

1. 1. Climate: Privet shrubs do best in USDA hardiness zones three through ten depending on the variety. Plant privets in the spring or fall.
2. 2. Light: Privets thrive in full-sun areas and should get at least six hours of sun a day. They will tolerate partial shade as well.
3. 3. Soil: Privet plants will tolerate a variety of different soil types, but they do best in well-draining soil with a neutral pH.
4. 4. Water: Privets are fairly drought-tolerant. New plants should be watered regularly during the first year. Mature plants should be watered during long dry spells or when the top three to four inches of soil is dry.
5. 5. Fertilizer: Apply a 15-5-10 fertilizer (fifteen percent nitrogen, five percent potassium, ten percent phosphorus) in the early spring to encourage new growth.
6. 6. Pruning: Privets have a rapid growth rate and require consistent pruning to keep them in check. Use gardening shears to shape them to your liking.

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