Ligustrum (privet)

Heijnen Plants is proud to present the Ligustrum, a genus widely appreciated for its dense foliage and pristine white blossoms. Commonly known as privet, these evergreen shrubs are a staple in many gardens, offering year-round greenery with some varieties flaunting a striking yellow tint. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also exude a delightful fragrance that can enhance the sensory appeal of any outdoor space. Ideal for creating formal hedges or as standalone features, Ligustrum species are versatile and resilient, making them a preferred choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and practicality.

Ligustrum vulgare

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
25-35cm a year

Growth rate
Once a year

Ligustrum 'Atrovirens'

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
25-35cm a year

Ligustrum ovalifolium

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
25-35cm a year

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Buy ligustrum (privet)

The genus Ligustrum, commonly known as privet, is a versatile group of plants that enrich the landscape with their lush foliage and fragrant white blossoms. Adaptable to various environments, privets thrive equally well in full sun, partial shade, or even in shaded areas, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create borders, group plantings, or solitary statement pieces. Their evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous nature allows for year-round visual interest in the garden.

Key Features

Ligustrum species are known for their robust growth rate, adding 25-35 cm each year, which quickly establishes a presence in the landscape.
The foliage of privets presents a delightful palette that transitions from green to yellow through the seasons, maintaining a moderately obscuring density that offers privacy without creating a visual barrier.
White flowers bloom prolifically from May through September, exuding a pleasant fragrance that becomes a highlight during the flowering months.
These plants demonstrate average water needs and are not overly demanding regarding moisture, making them a well-suited addition to a variety of garden settings.
In autumn, the appearance of black fruit adds an additional ornamental feature to the already attractive foliage.
Privets are quite undemanding when it comes to pruning, requiring only minimal attention once a year, though they can be left to grow naturally with little to no pruning if desired.

Tips

When propagating Ligustrum, semi-ripe cuttings are an effective method. Take cuttings with sharp scissors and plant them in well-draining soil to encourage root development.
For hardwood cuttings, select strong young branches in autumn or winter, cut them, and plant in fertile soil, ensuring only a few buds are left above the surface for spring growth.
Seeds can also be sowed to propagate new plants, providing an alternative for gardeners who prefer this method.
While privets are easy to care for, remember that they bloom on the previous year's growth, so any pruning should be done with this in mind to not inadvertently remove the developing flower buds.
If a denser hedge or shape is desired, prune the new shoots that develop near the base of the plant each year to encourage fuller growth.

Ligustrum species are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a plant that offers both aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. With their adaptability and beautiful features, privets are sure to enhance any garden design.

Types

Embrace the timeless elegance of the privet, a mainstay in classic and contemporary garden designs. With its lustrous foliage and versatile nature, Ligustrum species offer an impeccable choice for sculpted hedges, topiaries, or as a stately natural barrier, imbuing your landscape with structure and grace. The varieties we cultivate promise to infuse your garden with both beauty and vitality.

The Ligustrum lucidum, commonly known as Chinese privet or glossy privet, is a robust and versatile shrub. Native to Southern and Eastern China, it is prized for its rich foliage and white flowers that bloom profusely in August and September. Its leaves boast a lustrous sheen, which adds a sophisticated texture to any garden scene. Whether employed as a privacy screen or ornamental feature, the Ligustrum lucidum is a plant of choice for landscapers and gardeners seeking to add an element of elegance to their outdoor spaces.
The Ligustrum ovalifolium, also known as the garden privet or California privet, is a plant of Japanese origin that has become a mainstay in many gardens worldwide. Renowned for its dense foliage and clusters of white flowers that bloom from June to August, this species is a top choice for creating lush, living fences. The garden privet's ability to adapt to various pruning shapes makes it an ideal candidate for topiary or formal hedging, bringing structure and beauty to any landscape design.
The Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum', commonly referred to as the golden privet, boasts striking, variegated leaves that are a delightful blend of green and vibrant yellow. This luminous shrub adds a touch of radiance to any garden, especially during the summer months when it produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers. The golden privet's colorful foliage and its ability to form dense hedges make it a highly desirable choice for both privacy and ornamental purposes, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of cultivated spaces with its unique visual interest.

Ideal placement of a Privet

The versatility of Ligustrum allows it to thrive in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade and even full shade. Although this plant is quite adaptable, it will exhibit the most vigorous growth and lush foliage when placed in a location with plenty of sunlight. It is important to note that while Ligustrum can tolerate a range of lighting, the production of its fragrant white blossoms and subsequent black fruit is optimized when the plant receives ample light. For the best visual density and foliage vibrancy, a well-lit site is recommended.

Planting a Privet

Planting Ligustrum requires selection of a location that accommodates its adaptability to sun, partial shade, or shade. This versatile species thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, making it an ideal choice for many garden settings. When planting, ensure that the soil is well-drained to promote healthy root development. Space the plants appropriately to allow for their moderate growth rate of 25 to 35 centimeters per year, which contributes to their moderately obscuring visual density. Regular watering is necessary to meet their average water needs, particularly during the establishment phase and dry spells.

Pruning a Privet

Pruning is minimal for Ligustrum, as it blooms on the previous year's growth and readily produces new shoots from its base. To maintain shape and encourage healthy foliage, prune once annually after the flowering period. This timing allows the plant to set buds for the next season. If a denser hedge is desired, additional light pruning can be done. However, excessive cutting back may reduce the abundance of fragrant white blossoms. Always ensure that tools are sharp to make clean cuts, which benefit the plant's health and appearance.

Watering a Privet

Despite its adaptability to different lighting conditions, it is vital to maintain consistent moisture levels for this species, particularly during its active growth phase. While it generally requires an average amount of water, during periods of dry weather or extreme heat, the watering frequency should be increased to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as good drainage is crucial for the health of the plant. Regular, deep watering promotes a robust root system, which supports the dense, lustrous foliage characteristic of this versatile shrub.

Fertilising a Privet

Fertilizing this species should be done with care to support its robust growth and lush foliage. An optimal fertilizing schedule includes a spring application, just before the onset of the growth season, and a second application in mid-summer to sustain its development. Utilize a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrients over several months, which is particularly beneficial for plants that have a moderate growth rate of 25-35 cm per year.

Proper nourishment not only promotes vigorous growth but also enhances the plant's ability to produce its characteristic fragrant white flowers and maintain its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves throughout the seasons. Additionally, well-fertilized plants can establish a stronger root system, which is crucial for those propagated by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings.

The characteristics of a Privet

Ligustrum species are known for their robust growth and dense foliage, which make them ideal for creating privacy hedges. They respond well to shaping and can be pruned into various forms to enhance garden design. These hardy shrubs can also adapt to a wide range of soil types, making them suitable for many garden settings. Moreover, the white blossoms that appear in early summer provide a delightful fragrance and add a touch of elegance to any landscape.

The ideal variety for you Buy ligustrum (privet)

Ligustrum, with its lustrous foliage and robust growth, is an exemplary choice for creating lush, structured hedging. As a versatile species, it effortlessly enhances any landscape, offering a seamless blend of elegance and functionality, making it an impeccable addition to both formal and informal gardens.

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