Privets
Botanical name: Ligustrum
Privets
Botanical name: Ligustrum
Description
plants of the genus Ligustrum, commonly known as privets, hail mainly from Asia, with a handful of species being native to Europe or North Africa. They are hardy shrubs or small trees that grow thickly and often retain their leaves year-round. For this reason, several species within the genus are very popular as hedge plants. Privets also tend to produce copious quantities of berries which, in turn, attract birds. While the plants are common ornamentals, their toughness and adaptability have also made them pesky invaders in some places, including parts of the U.S.
Species of Privets
Japanese privet 'Rotundifolium'
'Rotundifolium' is just a fancy Latin way of saying round-leafed and, of course, japanese privet 'Rotundifolium' has glossy round leaves that are much shorter and rounder than those of the parent plant. This dense-growing shrub is small at 1.5 m and is ideal as a border or hedging shrub.
Waxyleaf privet
Waxyleaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui) is a semi-evergreen flowering shrub that is commonly grown in gardens. It natives to China and Korea and has been cultivated as an ornamental plant. But now, it becomes invasive in areas of the United States.
Glossy privet 'Excelsum Superbum'
This variegated cultivar won an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Created for its ornamental properties, the glossy privet 'Excelsum Superbum' is a shorter tree cultivated from the Glossy privet plant that can be trained to a particular shape or size with pruning and has glossy green leaves and white, fragrant blooms.
Privets 'Golden Ticket'
Plants of the genus Ligustrum × vicaryi 'Golden Ticket', commonly known as privets 'Golden Ticket', hail mainly from Asia, with a handful of species being native to Europe or North Africa. They are hardy shrubs or small trees that grow thickly and often retain their leaves year-round. For this reason, several species within the genus are very popular as hedge plants. Privets 'Golden Ticket' also tend to produce copious quantities of berries which, in turn, attract birds. While the plants are common ornamentals, their toughness and adaptability have also made them pesky invaders in some places, including parts of the U.S.
California privet
California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a native plant of Japan, not California, despite its common name. The california privet was brought to the United States in 1945 and is now considered an invasive species in California. The Latin name Ligustrum ovalifolium means "private," and this plant is often grown in hedgerows to provide privacy.
Wild privet
Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is an ornamental shrub but considered an invasive species in some area. Many English hedgerows have been made using these plants, though they're now often replaced with a more evergreen species. The wild privet's decorative flowers produce an unpleasant smell. The fruits are poisonous to humans but readily eaten by birds, making it possible for the seeds to spread far and wide.
Border Privet
The border Privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium) is a deciduous shrub that is native to Korea, China, and Japan. It arrived in the United States in the 1800s, where it was first used as a hedge on residential properties. However, it soon escaped into the wild and is considered a nuisance invasive species in most areas outside its native range.
Ligustrum punctifolium
Ligustrum punctifolium is an evergreen shrub first discovered in 1929 in Hong Kong. This hardy shrub can grow throughout the year, which makes it a good hedge plant. It also tends to attract birds because of the large quantities of fleshy berries it produces.
Chinese privet 'Fragrant Cloud'
The chinese privet 'Fragrant Cloud' was created as a foliage plant from the Chinese privet parent. This cultivar was created for its sweet scent, and combined with its thick density, it is an attractive hedging option for a garden. This is also why it was given its name. Be aware: parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.
California privet 'Aureum'
California privet 'Aureum' originates from a green-leaved shrub and stands out because of the golden-fringed leaves for which it is named. Like most privets, it has a dense growth form that makes it an excellent choice of low-maintenance hedging for cottage and informal gardens. It can withstand exposed locations and has good drought resistance.
Chinese privet
Plants of the genus Ligustrum delavayanum, commonly known as chinese privet, hail mainly from Asia, with a handful of species being native to Europe or North Africa. They are hardy shrubs or small trees that grow thickly and often retain their leaves year-round. For this reason, several species within the genus are very popular as hedge plants. Chinese privet also tend to produce copious quantities of berries which, in turn, attract birds. While the plants are common ornamentals, their toughness and adaptability have also made them pesky invaders in some places, including parts of the U.S.
Japanese privet
Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is an evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree with dark, glossy leaves and numerous clusters of white flowers. It blooms in late spring, and the unpleasant scent of the flowers is sometimes derided. Japanese privet is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.
Chinese privet
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a deciduous shrub that has been highly respected by Chinese martial artists - It's tough, but flexible shoots were widely used for making spears and darts. Chinese privet is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant, for hedgerows, and as a bonsai tree.
Glossy privet
The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.
Scientific Classification
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