Buy oval leaf privet Ligustrum ovalifolium

Ligustrum ovalifolium

oval leaf privet hedging

This vigorous, oval leaf privet makes a crisp, pollution-tolerant hedge for an urban or surburban site. The small, oval, bright green leaves provide dense cover, and clusters of white flowers appear in July and August followed by shiny, spherical, black fruit. Thriving in sun or shade, the lustrous, dark green foliage will often provide a year-round backdrop, although it may be shed in colder regions or harsh winters. Keep in mind too that if grown as a hedge and kept pruned, it is unlikely to flower.

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How to care for Ligustrum ovalifolium:

For best results, plant bare root specimens as soon as they arrive, between November and March, into well-prepared, fertile soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Soak roots before planting and firm the soil well around each plant, spacing evenly to create a dense hedge line. Water thoroughly after planting and during the first growing season to help establish strong root growth.

Potted plants can be planted at any time of year, provided the ground is workable and not waterlogged. Keep well-watered until established, especially in dry spells.

Trim hedging plants twice yearly—in May and again in August—to maintain shape and encourage dense, bushy growth. In late winter or early spring, remove any misplaced, damaged, or diseased branches. After pruning, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base to conserve moisture, enrich the soil, and suppress weeds.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

Eventual spread:

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten