Buy ligustrum (privet)
The privet hedge, also known as Ligustrum or privet, has long been a favourite choice for garden enthusiasts seeking a dense, (semi-)evergreen hedge . The name privet derives from the Latin "ligare", meaning "to bind", symbolising boundaries and protection. The plant originates from Europe, Asia and North Africa, where it has adapted to a wide range of climates. The privet hedge belongs to the Oleaceae family and is valued for its robust characteristics. There are around 50 species, of which Ligustrum ovalifolium (garden privet) and Ligustrum vulgare (wild privet) are the most common in Europe. One of the greatest advantages of privet is its excellent tolerance of pruning. This makes it the ideal hedging plant for creating neat and formal boundaries. Thanks to its rapid growth and strong adaptability to different climates and soil types, Ligustrum is an easy plant to grow and suitable for almost any garden. Unlike many other popular hedging plants that either do not flower or do so inconspicuously, the privet hedge produces more noticeable white, panicle-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. In addition to providing attractive colour in the garden, these flowers also attract butterflies and bees. Privet is therefore an ecologically valuable plant, contributing to biodiversity. Later in the season, birds will also be drawn to the garden, as clusters of dark purple to black berries appear on the hedge after flowering. Beyond its attractive appearance, the privet hedge is relatively fast-growing, low-maintenance and highly tolerant of shade. This makes it suitable for almost any position in the garden, while providing year-round privacy. Although privet is fully hardy, it is not evergreen in every climate. In severe frost, the plant may lose some or all of its leaves, only to flush again in spring. In milder climates, however, the privet hedge remains evergreen throughout the year and therefore does not shed its foliage.
Characteristics and Growing Properties of a Privet Hedge
The privet hedge has been one of the most widely used hedging plants in our gardens for decades. This is thanks to its dense structure, vigorous growth and the ease with which it can be pruned into a hedge. With over 50 years of growing experience at Heijnen, our plant experts know exactly why so many of our customers choose a privet hedge. Here we have listed the most important characteristics and qualities of this hedging plant:
Vigorous growth: the privet shrub is relatively fast-growing, producing around 30 to sometimes as much as 50 cm of new growth per year. This makes the privet hedge a popular choice for medium to tall hedges, typically ranging from 1 to 3 metres in height. Under ideal growing conditions and with proper care, privet hedges can even reach 4 to 5 metres. Variegated privet cultivars grow more slowly and are therefore more suitable for lower hedges.Foliage: Privet leaves are oval to lanceolate in shape, 2 to 6 cm long (depending on the species) and vary from fresh green to dark green with a glossy surface. Privet is semi-evergreen, meaning that in mild winters the hedge retains most of its foliage, keeping its green appearance even in the colder months. In severe frost, however, the hedge may lose part or all of its leaves. In spring, the plant quickly produces new, fresh green shoots.Screening density: privet responds extremely well to pruning. With timely trimming, you can create a compact, densely branched hedge that becomes fully closed and opaque within just a few years. Because the leaves grow close together on compact branches, the result is a dense hedge that effectively blocks unwanted views.Flowering: Privet is a flowering hedging plant . In June and July, the privet hedge produces countless small white flower clusters arranged in panicles at the ends of its branches. These flowers release a sweet fragrance and attract bees, bumblebees and butterflies, thereby supporting biodiversity in the garden. After flowering, berries develop, providing food for birds such as blackbirds, starlings and thrushes in late summer and autumn.Position: a privet hedge is very flexible when it comes to light conditions. It grows well in full sun and also thrives in partial shade. In deep shade, however, growth is weaker and the plant often loses vigour and foliage density. For a dense, evenly growing hedge, a position with sufficient sunlight is essential. Privet hedges are also well suited to exposed and windy sites.Soil conditions: privet tolerates both dry and moderately moist soils. It prefers a fertile, well-drained soil. This hedge plant is suitable for gardens where the soil dries out from time to time but can also cope with heavier, moisture-retentive soils. However, prolonged waterlogging is not tolerated, as it can lead to root rot and severely damage the hedge’s health.Hardiness: a privet hedge is hardy, but should not be confused with being fully evergreen. While privet retains its leaves throughout the year in most climates, it may lose part of its foliage during severe winters or in colder regions. Bear this in mind if you are specifically considering this hedge for year-round privacy in your garden.Reliable and easy to grow: the privet shrub is a low-maintenance garden plant with very few problems. Apply fertiliser a few times a year, water when necessary, and prune at least twice annually to enjoy a beautiful hedge for many decades. With proper care, a privet hedge can remain healthy and attractive for generations.
How Can Privet Be Used in the Garden?
The privet shrub is most commonly known for its use as a hedge in our gardens, but Ligustrum can also be incorporated in many other ways. Below is a selection of possible applications of privet in the garden, as recommended by our plant experts:
Low hedge: thanks to its dense, compact branching and excellent tolerance of pruning, privet is ideal for creating low hedges in the garden. Variegated privet cultivars generally grow more slowly, making them particularly suitable for hedges between 50 and 100 cm in height.Tall hedge: with its relatively strong growth rate and the fact that it remains green in most climates, the privet hedge is perfectly suited for creating taller hedges in the garden.Wind and noise barrier: a dense privet hedge can act as a windbreak and also help reduce noise from traffic or neighbouring properties.Privacy screening: privet shrubs can be used to create privacy around patios, swimming pools, or along property boundaries. They are also effective for screening unattractive features in the garden, such as bins or compost heaps.Background planting: a privet hedge forms the perfect green backdrop against which colourful flower borders or ornamental plants can stand out, enhancing colour contrasts and garden design.Specimen planting: privet can also be grown as a standalone shrub, especially in rural or natural-style gardens.Nesting and shelter: a privet hedge provides valuable nesting and shelter opportunities for birds, thanks to its dense branching structure.Food source: privet is a source of food in the garden throughout the seasons. During its flowering period, the nectar-rich blooms attract bees and bumblebees, while in late summer and autumn birds feed on the berries.Topiary and shaped pruning: because privet tolerates pruning so well, it does not need to be limited to hedges. It can be clipped into balls, blocks, cones or even trained as standard trees, making it highly versatile in garden design.Mass planting: Ligustrum is also well suited for larger-scale planting schemes. With regular trimming, it can be shaped into neat and uniform green areas.
Combining Privet with Other Planting in the Garden
A privet hedge can be beautifully combined with almost any garden plants. Thanks to its dense branching and fresh, semi-evergreen foliage, privet provides a calm, green backdrop. As a hedge or background planting, a privet hedge works particularly well alongside flowering perennials and ornamental grasses, which add colour, movement and contrast. Think, for example, of perennials such as coneflower (Echinacea ), sage (Salvia ) and catmint (Nepeta ), whose vibrant blooms and long flowering period create a striking contrast against the dark green foliage of the hedge. Ground-covering plants such as cranesbill (Geranium ), lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis ) and St John’s wort (Hypericum ) also combine well with a privet hedge, providing attractive finishing touches at the base. For more variation, ornamental grasses such as fountain grass (Pennisetum ), maiden grass (Miscanthus ) and sedge (Carex ) make a wonderful addition, bringing lightness and movement into the garden while softening the hedge’s straight lines. Shrubs such as hydrangea (Hydrangea ), butterfly bush (Buddleja ) or viburnum (Viburnum ) can add extra colour, fragrance and height to the garden. Their abundant blooms attract many pollinators, while berry-bearing shrubs such as beautyberry (Callicarpa ) and spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica ) combine ornamental value with a food source for birds. Solitary trees or multi-stemmed shrubs such as Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ) or crab apple (Malus ) can also be paired beautifully with a privet hedge. These bring additional structure to borders and provide seasonal accents in both colour and form. Through such combinations, a privet hedge becomes not only a practical boundary but also a versatile green framework, adaptable to both sleek, modern garden designs and more natural, rural settings.
The Right Soil and Position for a Privet Hedge
The success of establishing and growing a privet hedge depends largely on the planting site, soil requirements and soil preparation. Privet generally thrives in most ordinary garden soils, provided they contain sufficient nutrients. This applies to sandy soils, clay soils and loamy soils alike. Heavy clay can be improved with sand and compost, while sandy soils benefit from compost or organic matter to retain moisture and enrich the soil. Proper soil preparation before planting is therefore crucial for the long-term success of the hedge. The ideal soil is neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6 to 7.5). Privet tolerates light acidity (down to around pH 5.5), but growth is weaker in strongly acidic soils. Regardless of the soil type, it is important that the soil is always well-draining, allowing excess water to percolate away quickly. A major advantage of privet is that it grows well in both sun and shade. The sunnier the location and the greener the foliage of the Ligustrum, the faster the plant grows and the denser the hedge (providing greater screening). In deep shade, growth may be a little more open, though usually still sufficient to form an effective hedge. Privet is hardy and wind-resistant, so an exposed position poses no problem. It even tolerates sea winds and air pollution, which makes it a popular choice for urban gardens or hedges near the coast.
Would you like to plant a privet hedge and enjoy a healthy, dense and screening hedge all year round? Then make sure of the following:
A planting site in full sun, partial shade or even shade.
A nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained soil.
Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
Water regularly during the first few years after planting and in dry periods.
Apply fertiliser twice yearly – in spring (March/April) and summer (June/July) – to maintain a dense, green privet hedge.
Add a mulch layer of bark to protect the roots from drying out and to stimulate healthy soil life.
Tip from our privet expert: when planting, use Heijnen planting soil to stimulate root development and establishment. This helps the hedge to fill out more quickly into a dense and compact screen.
Planting a Privet Hedge the Right Way
Before planting a hedge, it is important to prepare the soil correctly. Privet hedges are often supplied either as container-grown plants or as bare-root stock. Container-grown privet can be planted almost year-round, as long as the soil is not frozen. At temperatures above zero, privet can be planted in the ground in any season. When soil temperatures are sufficiently high (spring through autumn), the plants begin rooting immediately. Bare-root privet plants are usually supplied between October and April, when the plants are dormant. Be aware that bare-root plants delivered in (early) spring may have few or no leaves yet (as they still need to flush). Bare-root plants supplied in autumn may already have yellowing and/or withered foliage, as they are preparing for winter. This is entirely normal for privet bare-root plants. A dense and full privet hedge starts with the correct planting distance. The larger the plants at purchase, the fewer are needed per linear metre to achieve a closed hedge quickly. As a general guideline for privet hedge plants:
Privet hedge 40–60 cm – 6 plants per linear metrePrivet hedge 60–80 cm – 5 plants per linear metrePrivet hedge 80–100 cm – 4 plants per linear metrePrivet hedge 100–125 cm – 3 plants per linear metrePrivet hedge 125–150 cm – 2.5 plants per linear metrePrivet hedge 150–175 cm, 175–200 cm – 2 plants per linear metre
Good soil preparation is essential for healthy growth. Improve the soil by mixing compost or Heijnen planting soil into the top 30 cm of the existing earth. This enriches the soil with nutrients, stimulates root development and helps the privet establish more quickly into a strong, dense hedge. After planting, it is important to water the hedge regularly, especially in the first months and during dry periods. This will support rapid establishment. For a complete step-by-step guide to planting a privet hedge, see our hedge planting instructions .
Tip from our hedge specialist: would you like a dense, mature hedge more quickly? Choose larger plants at planting time to achieve full privacy and a well-established hedge sooner.
What Maintenance and Care Does a Privet Hedge Need?
Like all other plants, a privet hedge requires maintenance and care. This already begins before the hedge is planted, with proper soil preparation. Once established in the garden, Ligustrum requires the right care in order to grow into a beautiful, healthy hedge. Below you will find the most important and common tips for maintaining and caring for a privet hedge:
Planting a Privet Hedge
Planting container-grown plants: container-grown privet plants can be planted almost all year round, except in frosty conditions. The most favourable times are spring, summer and autumn, as plants planted in these periods will root and shoot immediately. Loss of container-grown privet is very rare.Planting bare-root stock: bare-root privet plants are available from around October to April, when they are dormant. Bare-root plants are cheaper than container-grown (or root-ball) plants, but they are less robust and more sensitive to drying out. While container-grown plants are more resilient, bare-root plants are more fragile. However, with the right and timely care, losses with bare-root plants can be kept to a minimum.Soil preparation and quality: successful establishment of a privet hedge depends largely on proper soil preparation before planting. Ensure the soil is dug deep enough, loosened and free-draining. Privet grows best in humus-rich, fertile and well-drained soil. To give the hedge a strong start, use Heijnen planting soil to encourage rapid establishment, or mix potting soil or compost well into the existing earth.Number of plants per linear metre: the larger the plants at planting, the fewer are needed per linear metre. Each privet product page indicates the required number of plants per metre. Depending on height, this ranges from around 2 plants per metre for taller specimens to 6 plants for smaller ones.Note: heavy, poorly draining clay soils with inadequate water run-off are unsuitable for privet. Privet does not tolerate ‘wet feet’, as this can cause suffocation and root rot. Always ensure sufficient drainage so that excess water can flow away.
Watering a Privet Hedge
After planting: water the privet generously immediately after planting. This helps the soil settle around the roots, eliminates air pockets, and ensures good root-to-soil contact.Initial establishment period: in the first few months after planting, regular watering is essential, especially in dry or hot weather. This prevents young plants from drying out and promotes rapid establishment.Watering routine: during dry spells, it is better to water thoroughly once or twice a week than to give a little every day. This encourages deeper root growth, resulting in a stronger, healthier hedge in the long term. The amount of water required depends on plant size, soil type and existing soil moisture. Ensure the soil feels moist even 10–20 cm below the surface.Mature hedge: once well rooted, a privet hedge is fairly drought-tolerant and usually manages without additional watering. Only during prolonged drought or extreme heat is supplementary watering advisable, to prevent the hedge from drying out. Do this preferably in the early morning or late evening to minimise evaporation. Where possible, use collected rainwater to reduce mains water use.Note: privet does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging. Always ensure a free-draining soil to avoid ‘wet feet’, which can cause root rot.
Pruning a Privet Hedge
How often: to keep the hedge healthy, compact and dense, prune at least twice a year. On fertile sites or in vigorous growth, pruning three times per year may be necessary to maintain a neat shape.Timing: the first pruning should be carried out at the end of May or early June, directly after the first spring growth flush. A second pruning follows at the end of August or early September. If necessary, a light trim can be carried out in July if the hedge is growing too vigorously or becoming untidy.Technique: use sharp hedge shears or secateurs. Avoid cutting too deeply into old wood, as privet does not regenerate well from this. Timely pruning prevents this problem. Prune preferably on a cloudy day to avoid leaf scorch.Shape: maintain a slight taper, with the hedge wider at the base than at the top. This ensures that lower branches receive enough light and the hedge grows densely from top to bottom.Recovery: privet is a strong hedge plant and tolerates hard pruning well. Even when cut back severely, it usually recovers quickly with fresh shoots. However, timely pruning (rather than cutting into deep old wood) ensures faster recovery.Note: birds often nest in privet hedges. Prune preferably outside the nesting season (roughly March to July), or carefully check for nests first. This way, your garden also remains a safe haven for wildlife.
Fertilising a Privet Hedge
At planting: give the hedge a strong start by using Heijnen Starter Fertiliser at planting. This stimulates root development and ensures the hedge establishes quickly and vigorously.Spring (March/April): fertilise in early spring with an organic maintenance fertiliser such as Heijnen Maintenance Fertiliser, cattle manure pellets, or a universal hedge fertiliser. Timely fertilisation supports growth and health, preventing nutrient deficiencies during peak growth.Summer (June/July): a second fertilisation in summer helps maintain vigour, foliage colour and density, especially in poorer soils or during rapid growth. This prevents deficiencies and strengthens the hedge’s resilience.Compost: on poorer sandy soils, it is advisable to apply a layer of compost or garden soil around the hedge annually. This enriches the soil and improves water retention, supporting healthy growth.Soil pH: privet grows best in neutral soil (pH 6–7.5). Lime is generally unnecessary unless the soil is clearly too acidic (below pH 5.5).
What Are the Top 5 Ornamental Qualities of Privet Hedge Plants?
A privet hedge is a popular choice because it is hardy, fast-growing and in most climates remains evergreen throughout the year. In addition to these qualities, Ligustrum is also highly appreciated for its ornamental appeal. Below are the top five decorative values of a privet hedge:
Lush green appearance: the privet hedge is characterised by its fresh green to dark green, oval-shaped, small glossy leaves, which give a refined and tidy look. Thanks to the dense foliage (especially when pruned regularly), it forms a true "green wall" that provides both colour and privacy in the garden. This makes privet one of the most popular hedging plants.Flowering and fragrance: in June and July, privet produces creamy-white panicles of blossom that create an airy contrast against the dark foliage. The subtle, honey-like fragrance brings a classic garden atmosphere and attracts plenty of bees and bumblebees. In this way, the hedge combines beauty with vitality in the garden, contributing to biodiversity.Berries and winter interest: after flowering, black berries develop in autumn and remain on the branches well into winter. They provide a decorative accent in the darker months and are an important food source for birds. Thus, privet not only offers evergreen structure but also ensures the garden remains lively in winter.Flexible shaping and height: with its fine branching and excellent tolerance of pruning, privet can easily be shaped into formal hedges or more organic forms such as ‘privet clouds’. Its small leaves give the hedge a refined, luxurious appearance. Because it tolerates cutting so well, privet can be maintained at any desired height and is suitable for gardens of all styles. Besides hedges, it can also be clipped into shapes such as balls, cones or blocks.Versatile use in the garden: the privet shrub is suitable for almost any type of garden – from modern and formal to rural and natural. It grows well on different soil types, tolerates shade and urban conditions, and with its dense branches provides ideal nesting and shelter for birds. In addition, privet can be used for both medium and tall hedges, making it equally suitable for front gardens and back gardens.
What Are the Top 5 Ornamental Qualities of Privet Hedge Plants?
A privet hedge is a popular choice because it is hardy, fast-growing and in most climates remains evergreen throughout the year. In addition to these qualities, Ligustrum is also highly appreciated for its ornamental appeal. Below are the top five decorative values of a privet hedge:
Lush green appearance: the privet hedge is characterised by its fresh green to dark green, oval-shaped, small glossy leaves, which give a refined and tidy look. Thanks to the dense foliage (especially when pruned regularly), it forms a true "green wall" that provides both colour and privacy in the garden. This makes privet one of the most popular hedging plants.Flowering and fragrance: in June and July, privet produces creamy-white panicles of blossom that create an airy contrast against the dark foliage. The subtle, honey-like fragrance brings a classic garden atmosphere and attracts plenty of bees and bumblebees. In this way, the hedge combines beauty with vitality in the garden, contributing to biodiversity.Berries and winter interest: after flowering, black berries develop in autumn and remain on the branches well into winter. They provide a decorative accent in the darker months and are an important food source for birds. Thus, privet not only offers evergreen structure but also ensures the garden remains lively in winter.Flexible shaping and height: with its fine branching and excellent tolerance of pruning, privet can easily be shaped into formal hedges or more organic forms such as ‘privet clouds’. Its small leaves give the hedge a refined, luxurious appearance. Because it tolerates cutting so well, privet can be maintained at any desired height and is suitable for gardens of all styles. Besides hedges, it can also be clipped into shapes such as balls, cones or blocks.Versatile use in the garden: the privet shrub is suitable for almost any type of garden – from modern and formal to rural and natural. It grows well on different soil types, tolerates shade and urban conditions, and with its dense branches provides ideal nesting and shelter for birds. In addition, privet can be used for both medium and tall hedges, making it equally suitable for front gardens and back gardens.
Popular and Commonly Used Privet Varieties at Heijnen Suitable for Hedges
At Heijnen, we offer several privet varieties in our range that are particularly well suited for forming hedges. Our hedge experts have outlined the characteristic features of these privet species below, making it easy to compare their differences:
Ligustrum vulgare hedge (wild privet): this native species has smaller, narrow leaves (± 2–6 cm, narrow-lanceolate to elliptical, thinner and finer than other privet types) and a naturally fine-branching structure. Leaf colour is matte to dark green, usually slightly lighter than ‘Atrovirens’. This species grows vigorously (approx. 40–100 cm/year) and is very hardy, though it loses more foliage in severe winters than other varieties. With pruning to encourage branching, the hedge can be maintained at around 30 cm of growth per year. Ligustrum vulgare flowers profusely with fragrant white panicles and produces abundant black berries that are favoured by birds.Ligustrum vulgare ‘Atrovirens’ hedge (semi-evergreen privet): this cultivar combines the robust qualities of wild privet with improved winter foliage retention (semi-evergreen). Leaves are darker green, slightly glossier, and somewhat larger (± 3–7 cm), narrow-oval to elliptical with smooth margins. In milder climates, most of the foliage remains on the plant throughout winter. ‘Atrovirens’ is vigorous (50–120 cm/year) and quickly forms a dense hedge that provides privacy even in colder months. With pruning for branching, it can be kept to around 30 cm of controlled growth per year. This variety branches strongly and responds well to trimming, making it ideal for neat, formal hedges.Ligustrum ovalifolium hedge (Japanese privet): this species has oval to elliptical leaves with a firm, leathery texture (± 4–8 cm), larger and glossier than those of vulgare. Ligustrum ovalifolium is a vigorous grower (60–120 cm/year) and quickly forms a tall, dense hedge. With pruning to stimulate branching, the hedge can also be kept at about 30 cm of growth annually. This species is almost always evergreen; even in colder winters, it usually retains the majority of its foliage. It produces white flower panicles followed by black berries.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Privet Hedge
The plant experts at Heijnen have compiled an overview of the main advantages and disadvantages of a privet hedge. This overview is based not only on more than 50 years of experience within our nursery but also on extensive practical knowledge and feedback from our customers. The result is a reliable and comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice when considering a privet hedge:
Advantages of a privet hedge
Quick screening: privet grows fast (40–120 cm per year, depending on the variety), providing rapid privacy and greenery in the garden.Excellent pruning tolerance: privet responds extremely well to trimming and can be kept formal and tidy or shaped more loosely, depending on your garden design.Evergreen/semi-evergreen: many varieties, especially Ligustrum vulgare ‘Atrovirens’ and Ligustrum ovalifolium, retain their foliage during mild to normal winters.Ecological value: the flowers of a privet hedge attract bees and butterflies, while the berries provide food for birds later in the season. The dense branches also offer ideal nesting and shelter opportunities for wildlife.Undemanding: privet grows well on different soil types, tolerates partial shade, and thrives in urban conditions (wind, pollution). It also copes reasonably well with periods of drought.Affordable: privet is widely available and generally less expensive than alternative hedge species such as laurel or yew.Long lifespan: with proper care, a privet hedge can last for decades without losing quality.
Disadvantages of a privet hedge
Potential leaf loss in severe winters: common privet (Ligustrum vulgare) and even ‘Atrovirens’ may partially shed their leaves during very cold periods, though they re-sprout in spring.Regular pruning required: at least twice per year (sometimes three times) is necessary to keep the hedge compact and neat. Without pruning, the hedge becomes coarse and less attractive.Toxic berries: unsuitable for consumption by humans and pets (though harmless and beneficial to birds).
Buying Privet Hedge Plants at Heijnen
Buying a privet hedge is easy and affordable online at Heijnen. Since 1976, the Heijnen family has been cultivating a wide range of hedge plants, including the popular privet (Ligustrum vulgare, Ligustrum vulgare ‘Atrovirens’ and Ligustrum ovalifolium). This versatile hedging plant is ideal for almost any garden and is delivered directly from our nursery, ensuring you always receive top-quality privet at a competitive price. Our plants are carefully selected, guaranteeing you many years of enjoyment from a healthy, robust hedge. Privet is a fast-growing hedge , easy to prune, and quickly forms a dense, full hedge that provides both privacy and greenery. This makes it simple to create an elegant hedge that keeps your garden fresh and green all year round. Do you still have questions, need help choosing the right variety, or want advice on planting a privet hedge? Feel free to contact our experienced plant specialists by email or phone.
Buy your privet hedge directly from Heijnen and benefit from:
Top-quality privet plants, delivered fresh from our nursery.
Fast and careful delivery, straight to your home within a few working days.
Personal, tailored advice from our experienced plant specialists.
Alternative Hedge Plants for the Ligustrum
Would you prefer a different type of hedge than the Ligustrum? Then discover our popular and possible alternatives here: