Ligustrum vulgare - Native privet

Tough, lime-tolerant, Ligustrum vulgare is deciduous, sometimes semi-evergreen and has long been used as a hedging plant for fields, particularly in Northern Ireland. It’s a medium-sized shrub with a bushy habit and dull-green, lance-shaped leaves. In summer, pretty panicles of tiny white flowers appear at the tips of the branches; these are scented, although most people don’t care for it. These are followed by small, shiny, purplish-black berries in autumn. Wild privet is particularly good for wild-life, providing evergreen cover for nesting birds, good pollen and nectar for insects and berries for birds; it’s also the main food-plant of the privet hawk-moth. It’s good for hedging, as it clips very well, or it can be grown as part of an informal, wild-life-friendly hedge in wilder gardens. Be aware that it’s slightly toxic to pets and livestock, although they usually leave it well alone. Debated whether truly native or not.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil; good on limestone soils
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Most of the year, summer and autumn in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 13’ (4m) Spread: 13’ (4m) if unclipped

If you are participating in the ACRES Scheme and want to order native plants, please go to our ACRES PAGE for information on how to order your plants.

Please do not order online for the Acres Scheme.

Type | Size: Bareroot | 1-2ft
Price
£3
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

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