Oval Leaved Privet (ligustrum ovalifolium)

• Popular, fast-growing semi-evergreen shrub ideal for dense, formal or informal hedging – provides year-round privacy and screening.
• Highly tolerant of urban pollution, shade, coastal conditions, and most soils (except waterlogged).
• Produces creamy-white summer flowers (attractive to bees) and black berries (food for birds like thrushes and blackbirds); offers nesting sites.
• Responds excellently to regular clipping; low-maintenance once established; RHS Award of Garden Merit.
• Drought-tolerant and resilient; suitable for boundaries, topiary, or windbreaks.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown anytime, ideally autumn/spring.
• Location: Full sun to deep shade; any moist but well-drained soil (tolerates poor, clay, chalk, or sandy); sheltered or exposed sites.
• Preparation: Dig hole twice root width; add organic matter to poor soils; for hedges, space 30–45cm apart (single row) or staggered double row for density.
• Planting: Set at original depth (check soil mark on stem); firm in, water thoroughly, mulch base (keep clear of trunk) to control weeds.
• Aftercare: Water well first year in dry spells; trim hedges 2–3 times during growing season (cease late summer); minimal feeding needed.
• Note: All parts toxic if ingested.