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Common privet

Ligustrum vulgare and cvs.

lih-GUS-trum vul-GAR-ay Audio

Privet is a bushy, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with oval to lance-shaped dark green leaves. White flowers borne in panicles to 2 inches long in early summer and midsummer mature to spherical black fruit.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsConsidered invasive in the southeastern U.S., it spreads easily by bird-dispersed berries. Useful for hedging.

CareGrow in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Clip twice in summer.

PropagationRoot semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.

ProblemsAphids, scale insects, Japanese beetles, weevils, mites, thrips, leaf spots, blights, cankers, crown gall, and root rot.

  • Genus : Ligustrum
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Growth Rate : Fast
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Flower Color : White

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