Privet Hedge
Privet Hedge is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers, commonly used for hedges and landscaping. It is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers a range of benefits when used in landscaping projects. Its adaptable nature, evergreen foliage, and various design applications have become popular among landscapers and gardeners.
The private hedge is officially known as the Ligustrum Ovalifolium, but gardeners often call it the California type. It's native to Japan. However, it grows and thrives in many other countries, including the U.S. Homeowners and gardeners, love its white flowers and ability to create privacy while adding to a home's curb appeal.
Identifying Features of Privet Hedge
It grows between 10 and 15 feet with a similar spread. This bush develops white flowers in June and July, usually between two and four inches long. The leaves are oval and typically grow to between one and two and a half inches long. It's considered a fast-growing shrub; gardeners can expect it to gain one to two feet in height each year without pruning.
Best Uses for Privet Hedge
It is most commonly used as a living privacy fence or as garden mazes, and in English Gardens or Victorian-style gardens, it can reach heights of up to 15 feet. Gardeners can create thick, solid-looking walls with these bushes by planting them in a zigzagged double layer. Once these bushes are established, they can be pruned to take specific shapes. Gardeners can even get creative with these bushes by leaving significant gaps between the plants and installing arches or gates to create elaborate entrances.
Excellent Companion Plants For The Privet Hedge
Gardeners looking to add depth and color around it can choose between many types of wildflowers, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Some favorites include the sunshine ligustrum, peonies, lady's mantle, hostas, sedum, the New Zealand iris, boxwood, and Japanese holly.
Gardeners and landscapers will enjoy a private hedge as part of a formal garden or living privacy fence. This versatile shrub can be pruned, shaped, and trained to grow around arches and wooden gates. It softens concrete walkways and adds depth and interest to homes.