Common Privet hedge, also known as Ligustrum ovalifolium is a dense, vigorous evergreen / semi evergreen hedging species. Featuring delicate white flowers in the summer and dark green ovate foliage, this dense hedge has black berries that are a hit with birds and other wildlife.
Due to its pollution tolerance, Ligustrum ovalifolium is excellent for high traffic areas and urban planting and makes an excellent privacy and formal hedge. During hard winters you may find Common Privet will lose some of its leaves but shoots right back in Spring.
Growth rate: Fast 30-60cm per year
Overall height: Medium up to 5 metres
Position: Coastal, Exposed, Full Sun, Sheltered
Root Types: Bare Root, Instant Hedging, Pot Grown, Root Balled
Choose from our wide range of Common Privet Hedge sizes and root types, or browse our other varieties of Privet Hedging plants.
Check our range of Privet Hedging or our other popular varieties of hedge that can be used as a great alternative to Common Privet Hedge.
Common Privet hedging also known as ligustrum ovalifolium, is a very popular evergreen shrub that makes a very dense, semi evergreen hedge.
It's one of the most cost effective ways to create a hedge, with bare root and pot grown varieties being fairly inexpensive per metre when compared to pot grown or instant hedging.
Privet hedges are native to Europe and is common in many gardens where it is used for hedging purposes. It grows quickly and can be easily trimmed into a formal shape or left untrimmed and allowed to grow naturally.
It can reach a height of up to 3m, depending on the conditions it is planted in. Common Privet Hedging is an excellent choice for low maintenance gardens as it requires little pruning or maintenance once established. Its dense foliage and ability to thrive in both sunny and shaded areas make it a great choice for gardeners.
Common Privet Hedging is also fairly disease resistant, although it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. It has very fragrant white flowers which appear in late spring and dark green, oval shaped leaves that remain on the plant after flowering.
Common Privet hedge plants are an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create a low maintenance, evergreen hedge with fragrant white flowers. It is native to Europe and grows quickly in both sunny and shaded areas, making it a great option for gardens of any size.
Its dense foliage makes it perfect for hedging purposes while its disease resistance ensures that it will thrive with minimal effort from the gardener.
It is important to choose the right type of soil for your Common Privet hedge plants. When planting a new hedge using young plants, opt for a well-drained, neutral pH soil with good fertility and plenty of organic matter.
It can be planted in both full sun and semi shade but it is best to avoid extreme temperatures or drought conditions as this may affect its growth rate.
For further information on privet please read our guide on How to plant a Privet Hedge
Pruning your Common Privet Hedge will ensure it grows in the desired shape and size. It can be lightly trimmed throughout the year, or severely pruned back once a year in late winter to early spring when it’s dormant. Pruning should be done before new growth starts emerging in spring.
For pruning advice and tips, make sure you read our comprehensive guide on privet hedge pruning.
Yes, common privet hedging is native to the UK. Privet plants are also commonly found in Europe and can be grown in many gardens where it is used for hedging purposes.
Yes, Common Privet is an evergreen plant that can reach a height of up to 3m. It is also considered as semi evergreen as it may lose its leaves in cold temperatures. It's dense foliage and ability to thrive in both sunny and shaded areas make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create low-maintenance hedges.
Privet hedging can have some downsides. These hedge plants are considered to be an invasive species and during the growing season it can spread rapidly, crowding out other native vegetation. It also has the potential to become overcrowded, making it difficult for other plants and wildlife to access the necessary resources.
No, privet hedging is not considered to be poisonous or toxic to dogs. However, if your dog does ingest it, it can cause gastrointestinal upset and vomiting. If your pet displays any signs of illness after eating common privet, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
Ligustrum ovalifolium growth rate is quite fast at 30-60cm per year, especially if planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate drought and humidity, making it ideal for gardens of all sizes.
Common Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) typically grows up to 3 meters in height over the course of a few years.
To learn more about Privet Hedging, take a look at our helpful Hedging Guides & FAQ's
