Types of privet: evergreen & robust privet hedges

Privet is not as boring as you might suspect. Let us present some evergreen and hardy types of privet for the garden.

Privet (Ligustrum) is extremely diverse and extremely hardy. In general, the plant grows quickly and is very tolerant of pruning. With these characteristics, it is ideally equipped for use as a garden hedge, for bed enclosures or for topiary. The undemanding shrub can also be grown into a bonsai.

Between forty and fifty species belong to the privet genus. However, only a few types of privet are used ornamentally in Europe. Some of the most important ones can be found below.

Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare)

The only native privet species, this privet is wonderful for hedges. The fast-growing shrub can grow up to five metres high. Since it is very tolerant of pruning and only loses its leaves in winter in severe frost, it is perfect as a hedge. Its white, fragrant flowers appear between June and July.

• A significant variety is Ligustrum vulgare ‘Atrovirens’. This is also traded under the name Black-Green Privet and enjoys great popularity as a hedge plant.
• Dwarf privet (Ligustrum vulgare ‘Lodense’) grows only up to one metre tall, making it perfect for enclosing beds. It also tolerates pruning very well and can be pruned as a topiary hedge.

Oval-leaved privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)

This variety, native to Japan, is also optimal for hedges. It is also fast growing with more than thirty centimetres of growth per year. The leaves are an elongated oval shape. The species is hardy and usually also evergreen. In extreme winters, oval-leaved privet loses its leaves, just like common privet. But this is no problem, because the bush sprouts quickly and densely again in the spring.

• The Ligustrum ovalifoilum ‘Aureum’ variety is particularly interesting. It is also known as Golden Privet and sets pretty accents with its golden yellow variegated leaves.

Ball privet (Ligustrum jonandrum)

This privet species is not suitable for use as a hedge, as it is not sufficiently hardy. Temperatures below -6 °C become critical for its growth. So it is better to overwinter this species of privet in a frost-free location. In the warm season, ball privet feels extremely comfortable in the garden. It has very small, shiny leaves and can be transformed into beautiful shapes.

Privet as a bonsai

Privets are fast-growing and pruning tolerant, so they make beautiful bonsais when grown properly. The deciduous Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinensis) is well suited for this purpose. Japanese bonsai (Ligustrum japonicum) also makes a handsome evergreen bonsai. However, both species originate from regions without cold winters. If night temperatures drop below 15 °C, it is time to bring these species indoors. Other privet species are also perfectly suitable as bonsai. Common privet, for example, not only makes a beautiful hedge plant, but also develops a whole new effect as a hardy bonsai.

Once you have decided on a privet species, you will find all the information on planting privet in this dedicated article.