Alphabetical Plant Listing

Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet)

Common Privet, Wild Privet, Prim, Prim-Cut, European Privet


Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) is a fast-growing, bushy, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with lance-shaped, dark green leaves, 2.5 in. long (6 cm), and panicles of small, white flowers at the stem tips in early summer. The blossoms are very fragrant, but are considered by many to have an unpleasant aroma. They give way to small, glossy berries which ripen to black in fall and persist throughout winter. Semi-evergreen in mild winter climates, Common Privets are a popular choice as ornamental shrubs and for hedgerows.

  • Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 8-15 ft. wide (240-450 cm). This plant will naturalize by self-seeding in optimum growing conditions.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Common Privet is not fussy about soils provided they are not soggy or wet. Good drainage is essential. Drought and pollution tolerant.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, leaf-mining moths, thrips and leaf spot.
  • Prune as needed immediately after flowering. Hedges are usually trimmed 1-2 times in summer.
  • Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings.
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
  • Native to Northern Europe, Mediterranean, northern Africa, Asia Minor.

Not sure which Ligustrum - Privets to pick?
Compare All Ligustrum - Privets

Buy Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet)

Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 5 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ligustrum - Privets
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Spread 8' – 15' (240cm – 4.5m)
Spacing 96" – 144" (240cm – 360cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

Buy Plants

Guides with Ligustrum - Privets


Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 5 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ligustrum - Privets
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Spread 8' – 15' (240cm – 4.5m)
Spacing 96" – 144" (240cm – 360cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Ligustrum - Privets

Plant Calculator

How many Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.