Overview
Ligustrum vulgare is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ligustrum, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Ligustrum vulgare grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include hedging and screens. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.
About
Ligustrum vulgare, commonly known as wild privet, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family. It has a bushy habit and typically grows to a height and spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size over 10 to 20 years. This shrub thrives in a variety of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, and tolerates acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. It prefers well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or partial shade, facing any direction. Ligustrum vulgare is notable for its interest throughout spring, summer, and winter seasons.
About the genus
A privet is a flowering plant in the genus Ligustrum. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, with a native distribution from Europe to tropical and subtropical Asia, and with one species each native to Australia and north Africa. Some species have become widely naturalized or invasive where introduced.
Wikipedia contributors, "Privet", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Privet
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligustrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ligustrum vulgare size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Hedging and screens
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligustrum vulgare
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf-mining moths, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ligustrum vulgare?
Ligustrum vulgare prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligustrum vulgare need?
Ligustrum vulgare is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Ligustrum vulgare grow?
Ligustrum vulgare reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Ligustrum vulgare hardy in the UK?
Ligustrum vulgare has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ligustrum vulgare?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.
More in the Ligustrum genus
Browse all Ligustrum →
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