The privet is not as boring as you might think. We introduce you to various evergreen and robust privet species for the garden.
Privet (Ligustrum) is extremely diverse and extremely robust. In general, the plant grows quickly and tolerates pruning very well. With these properties, it is ideally equipped for use as a garden hedge, for bordering beds or for topiary. The undemanding shrub can also be trained as a bonsai.
Between forty and fifty species belong to the privet genus. However, only a few privet species are used as ornamental plants in Europe. Some of the most important are below.
Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
As the only native privet species, this privet is wonderfully suited for hedges. The fast-growing shrub can grow up to five meters high. Since it tolerates pruning very well and only loses its leaves in winter when there is a heavy frost, it is perfect as a hedge. Its white, fragrant flowers appear between June and July.
- An important variety is Ligustrum vulgare ‘Atrovirens’. This is also traded under the name black-green privet and is very popular as a hedge plant.
- The dwarf privet (Ligustrum vulgare 'Lodense') only grows up to a meter tall and is therefore perfect for enclosing beds. It is also very easy to cut and can be cut as a shaped hedge.
Oval-Leaf Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)
This species from Japan is also ideal for hedges. It is also fast-growing, growing by more than thirty centimeters per year. The leaves are elongated oval. The species is hardy and usually evergreen. In extreme winters, however, the oval-leaved privet loses its leaves, just like the common privet. But that's not a problem, because in spring the shrub will sprout again quickly and densely.
- Interestingis the variety Ligustrum ovalifoilum ‘Aureum’. It is also known as the gold privet and sets pretty accents with its golden-yellow variegated leaves.
Globe Privet (Ligustrum jonandrum)
This privet species is not suitable as a hedge because it is not sufficiently hardy. From -6 °C it becomes critical for the evergreen plant. It is therefore better to overwinter this privet species in a frost-free place. In the warm season, the spherical privet feels extremely comfortable in your garden. It has very small glossy leaves and can be cut into beautiful shapes.
Privet as bonsai?
Privets are fast-growing and tolerate pruning, so they make beautiful bonsai when properly trained. The deciduous Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinensis) is well suited for this. The Japanese bonsai (Ligustrum japonicum) is also a pretty evergreen bonsai. However, both species come from regions without cold winters. When nighttime temperatures drop below 15°C, it's time to bring these species indoors. Other privet species are also ideal as bonsai. The common privet, for example, not only makes a beautiful hedge plant, but also unfolds a whole new effect as a hardy bonsai.
If you have decided on a privet species, you will find all the information about planting privet in this special article.