Xela's Garden

Japanese Privet [S]

Genus: Ligustrum.

Species: Ligustrum ovalifolium.

planted ? Shenstone back & front side hedges

Common Name: Privet
Genus: Ligustrum
Species: jonandrum
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Dry, Sandy
Height: 200cm
Spread: 200cm
Time to take cuttings: April to June

A change from the common garden privet, this is a tough and versatile shrub that can be clipped into all kinds of interesting shapes. It has small, oval evergreen leaves that are the perfect complement for cottage garden perennials. If left untrimmed, it will make a large shapely shrub with profuse white flowers with a rather unusual scent in late summer. It also makes a useful plant for a large containers.
[Source: www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/11421.shtml]

Privet is a widely grown evergreen/semi evergreen, meaning that it is generally evergreen but may lose some or all of its leaves in very hard winters although it shoots right back again in Spring. It has rich green leaves and forms creamy white flowers in July, which are attractive to butterflies and birds, but are generally clipped away. It is almost indestructible once established and a very popular choice. It is quite fast growing (approx 30cm pa) and should be trimmed a couple of times during the summer to encourage the formation of a dense, formal garden hedge, resistant to pollution and therefore popular in urban and suburban gardens. It will grow well virtually anywhere other than wet sites and is suitable for coastal situations although it may defoliate a bit in Winter near the coast. Its leaves and flowers are harmful if eaten.
[Source: www.hedgesdirect.co.uk/acatalog/common_privet_hedge.html]

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