Privet Varieties

Privet (Lingustrum) are sturdy evergreen shrubs that are the most common hedge plant in the United States. Privet is a member of the olive family and will tolerate poor soil conditions and prefers full sun but will grow in shaded areas. Commonly found in landscape design, privet shrubs are used as hedging, walls, sound barriers and can be pruned into shapes and arches for a more dramatic touch.

Chinese Privet (Lingustrum sinense)

Introduced to the United States in 1952, Chinese privet can grow to 30 feet in height if left unattended. Typical height ranges from 5 to 12 feet. Shrubs have dark green, oval shaped leaves and are often found growing in fields or forests. Chinese privet produces an oddly scented white flower during the late spring that blooms at the end of the privet branches in small clusters. A dark purple to black colored fruit will appear on branches and will last until winter. The plant thrives in wet to dry soil, is easy to grow and very difficult to remove. Chinese privet can be attacked by aphids, white flies and spider mites. Chemical pesticides can rid plants of these pests. They are prone to twig blight which can be controlled by using spray fungicides at proper intervals.

Amur Privet (Ligustrum amurense)

Originally from China, the amur privet reaches heights between 12 and 15 feet, and in most cases the plant is nearly as wide as it is high. They are a trouble-free plant with medium green colored leaves, and they produce an offensive-smelling white flower in spring. Amur privets like sun to partial sun exposure and adapt well to any soil conditions, but they don't like excessively wet ground. These shrubs are used as hedges, borders and screens in landscaping designs. They are prone to fungal disease and are afflicted with aphids, mealybugs and mites. Rid your amur privet of fungal diseases by using a fungicide and treat pests with the proper solution of chemical insecticide.

Regal Border Privet ( Ligustrum obtusifolium)

The most common variety of privet, the regal border privet has deep, dark green, glossy foliage. It is the easiest of the privet shrubs to maintain, prune and grow. The regal border privet grows to be 12 to 15 feet in height but is usually on the smaller side of that range. They prefer full sun to partial shade and like moist but well drained soil. The regal border privet flowers in late May or early June, producing a pungent bloom that is known to attract bees. It produces a berry, black-blue in color, that will appear in September and last through the winter if left uneaten by birds. They are prone to the same twig blight and other fungal diseases and pests that afflict other privets. Treat fungal diseases with fungicides and control pests with a proper solution of insecticide.