About
Ligustrum vulgare, the wild privet, is a bushy, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with dark-green, lance-shaped leaves and terminal panicles of small, white, pungently scented flowers in summer, followed by small, shining black berries. A tough and rewarding native shrub for hedging and wildlife gardens.
About the genus
Ligustrum, the privets, are deciduous or evergreen shrubs and small trees with simple, entire leaves and panicles of small, often pungently scented, white flowers in spring or summer, followed by black or deep-purple berries. Popular hedging and garden shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope N. Africa SW Asia
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, often found growing wild on chalky soils. Good for hedging
PruningPruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer
PropagationPropagate by seed, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to privet aphid, scale insects, leaf-mining moths and Thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots, honey fungus and Verticillium wilt