Types of Privet Hedges

A privet hedge is commonly used as a boundary line, or fence, a border plant or just for general landscaping. Privet hedges are tall, fast-growing hedges that aside from pruning and trimming, require little maintenance. Privet hedges bloom in early to mid-summer, with small white to cream colored flowers. Bees and other insects are commonly attracted to the flowers. When fertilized, the flowers then turn into small dark blue or black colored berries that attract small, local species of birds to eat. It should be noted that all parts of most species of privet hedge, such as the leaves, berries and flowers, are poisonous if ingested by human beings. If any of these are ingested, you should contact your local poison control department as soon as possible.

Green privet, or ligustrum ovalifolium, is a fast-growing dense hedge that grows to be 8 to 12 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. The hedge has medium-sized, smooth-textured, oval, evergreen leaves and when in bloom in summer it has creamy white flowers that attract insets. Green privet should be planted in full sun to partial shade. Green privet is best planted in USDA zones 6 through 10 and can survive mild to moderate winters.

Golden privet or ligustrum vicaryi, is a type of privet hedge. Golden privet can grow to be 10 feet tall and 10 wide. This privet hedge is characterized by it's yellow-green to gold colored oval shaped leaves. Golden privet blooms in early to mid summer with small, fragrant white flowers that attract bees. All parts of a golden privet are poisonous to human beings if ingested, so be sure to keep small children away from the plant. Golden privet is best planted in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8, and can be planted in full sun to full shade conditions.

Common privet, or ligustrum vulgare is a type of privet hedge. Common privet is a dark green, bushy, hedge that can grow to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Common privet has dark green, smooth, oval shaped leaves and when in bloom in early through mid summer, produces small fragrant, white to cream colored flowers, that attract bees and small bird species. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans, so small children should be kept away from this plant. Common privet grows best in USDA zones 1 through 10 and thrives in full to partial sun. This is a very low-maintenance plant.