The Northern Privet (Ligustrum x ibolium) is a hardy deciduous shrub commonly used for hedges and privacy screens. It typically grows 10-15 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide and has a dense, upright growth habit.
Characteristics of Northern Privet
The leaves are small, glossy, and dark green. The plant produces small white flowers from late Spring to early summer, followed by small black berries in the Fall (End of October).
Northern Privet's Benefits
Northern Privet is adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate partial shade to full sun. It is also relatively low maintenance and can be pruned to maintain its desired shape and size.
Planting Northern Privet
- Choose the right location: It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Ensure your chosen location receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Determine the spacing: To create a dense hedge, plants should be planted approximately 2-3 feet apart. The length and height of the hedge will determine the number of plants needed.
- Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds or grass from the planting area and loosen the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches. Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve drainage and nutrient content.
- Plant the Privet: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil, pressing down firmly around the base of the plant. Water thoroughly.
- Maintain the hedge: Water the hedge regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Prune the hedge in late winter or early Spring 2024 to maintain its shape and promote denser growth. Fertilize the hedge in early Spring 2024 with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
With proper care and maintenance, a privacy hedge from North Privet can provide a beautiful and effective barrier for years.
Northern Privet's Uses
Privet shrubs are known as hedges and are commonly referred to as privet hedges. They are used in landscaping. Privet hedges can be semi-green, deciduous, or evergreen; the differences are brought about by the variety you plant and the zone in which you stay. The common privet shrubs have a maximum height of 4 to 15 feet and a spread of 4 to 8 feet.
This is a fast-growing shrub suitable for zones 5 to 8. They can bear some white flowers in the early summer or the late spring; later, some blackberries succeed the white flowers. The plant bears some blackberries, which helps one identify it quickly because this is not a standard color for any shrub berry.
However, Northern Privets are grown primarily for the dense foliage they provide when pruned into hedges. The thick foliage and height give them good privacy, and most people are more active in their backyards. The following are different types of privet shrubs.
Note that a shrub might be cold hardy to zone 5, but it does not mean it is always green.
1. California privet has a genus named Ligustrum ovalifolium. It does well in zones 5 to 8 and is 10 to 15 feet high.
2. Golden privet is a genus named Ligustrum Ovalifolium Aureum. It does well in zones 5 to 8 and can grow to 8 to 10 feet tall.
3. Golden Vicary. Its genus name is Ligustrum Vicaryl. It does well in zones of 5 to 7. It is 6 to 12 feet high and can spread 7 to 10 feet wide.
4. Border Privet. Its genus name is Ligustrum Obtusifolium. It does well in zones of 3 to 7. Please shear the bushes immediately after they have flowered.
Later, you can clip them four or three times in summer. Privet shrubs will become bushier and fill in better when pruned well and frequently.
