Northern Privet - Ligustrum x ibolium

Northern Privet is a well-known shrub across North America. This useful and attractive shrub is a deciduous hybrid cross between L. ovalifolium and L. obtusifolium, resembling most closely L. ovalifolium. While this shrub not have a native range as a hybrid, both of its parent species are native to Asia.

It is most commonly used as a hedge, and is the fastest growing hedge across the USA. It can gain as much as 3 ft in height per year and has an upright, multi-stem habit that is responsive to shearing and pruning.

Plant Details - Northern Privet

Family: Oleaceae (Olive family)

Hardiness Zones: 4–7

Light Requirement: Full sun to part shade

Water Needs: Dry to medium

Height: 8 - 12 ft

Spread: 6 - 8 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: June

Flower Color: White

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies and bees

The leaves of this plant are a deep glossy green and ovate in shape. Due to its ability to be shaped by pruning or left to its own growth habit, this plant is a versatile shrub to add to the garden. When grown without shaping, this shrub tends to take on a pyramidal shape, naturally. If pruning, it can be made into a hedge of multiple individuals, solo boxed shrubs and or shaped into rounded focal points throughout the yard. Due to its robust nature and dense foliage, it also makes a fantastic windbreak.

While Northern Privet is mainly used for its dense foliage in hedges, the flowers of this shrub are noteworthy, attractive, aromatic and a delightful spring time aesthetic. Panicles of flowers emerge in early spring and are creamy white in color. Rich in nectar, these flowers are a favorite for pollinators.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Northern Privet

It will grow across full sun to part shade conditions. It is impressively cold hardy, weathering some of the most brutal winter storms, and it is virtually pest- and disease-free. It grows in dry to medium-moisture, well-drained neutral soils. Water well until established, however once rooted it is quite drought tolerant. However, wet soils will not be tolerated by this shrub.

To keep the plant manicured, shear early and often. Shearing will encourage dense foliar growth. If you are using this plant as a specimen or focal point in the yard, pruning is not required.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Easily shaped, low maintenance, attractive to pollinators.

Whether planting this shrub as a specimen or as a part of a hedge, you will enjoy its rich green foliage and aromatic flowers year after year. Shop for Northern Privet shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

Northern Privet is hardy and low-maintenance. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and ensure good drainage to avoid root rot. Trim in late winter or early spring to preserve form and remove dead or damaged branches. Fertilize annually for optimal growth.

Plant Reproduction

Northern Privet spreads through suckers and self-seeding.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.

Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.

Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.

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