Privet Shrub

Tree forms of privet are also used as focal points in the landscape. Tolerant of poor soil conditions and shady sites, the plant grows best in full sun.

There are a few varieties of privet shrub, both evergreen and deciduous, each with different characteristics and growing habits.

Growing Privet Shrub

Among the common traits for all varieties is their tolerance of poor soil and requirement for good drainage. Bare root plants should be planted when dormant, in late fall or early spring.

Planting container-grown plants will depend on the zone you are in. They should be planted in fall or spring in cold, northern areas and in fall or winter in warm, southern zones.

Pruning of all varieties varies, depending on usage. For informal hedges, occasional pruning to remove dead branches and to control size and shape is needed.

For trees, shaping or opening up the interior may be needed. Formal hedges should be sheared throughout the growing season to maintain their defined shape.

They are prone to fungal disease and twig blight and should be treated with appropriate fungicides. Aphids, white flies and spider mites are common pests that can be eliminated with pesticides.

Japanese Privet
The variety Ligustrum japonicum can be grown as a tree or shrub. This evergreen grows eight to twelve feet tall and produces dark green foliage. It bears white flowers clusters in spring, followed by black berries.

Amur Privet
The Ligustrum amurense is a deciduous variety that grows twelve to fifteen feet tall and almost as wide. It produces medium green leaves, white flowers in spring and small black berries throughout the summer. It is sensitive to winter damage in northern areas.

Chinese Privet
Ligustrum sinense will grow to thirty feet tall if not controlled and maintained at five to twelve feet tall. This evergreen plant produces dark green leaves, small clusters of white flowers in late spring and purplish-black berries until winter.

Regal Border Privet
Ligustrum obtusifolium is an upright, deciduous shrub that grows twelve to fifteen feet tall. It produces medium to dark green foliage, clusters of small white flowers late spring to early summer, and bluish-black berries in early fall through winter that attract birds.

Although Ligustrum can be aggressive, spreading quickly in the landscape, privet shrubs are still a popular landscape plant in areas that need visual and sound buffering. Their adaptability to less-than-ideal growing conditions adds to their landscaping appeal.