Tough, lime-tolerant, Ligustrum vulgare is deciduous, 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

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