Northern Privet Hedges

Northern Privet Ligustrum Is the #1 Fast-Growing Hedge Used For Privacy

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, most closely resembling L. ovalifolium. While this shrub does 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.

Northern Privet Plant Details – Perfect for Dense Hedges

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. Due to its ability to be shaped by pruning or left to its 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, its flowers are noteworthy, attractive, aromatic, and delightful in springtime. Panicles of creamy white flowers emerge in early spring. Rich in nectar, these flowers are a favorite for pollinators.

Landscape Uses for 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, this shrub will not tolerate wet soils.

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

Key Features of Northern Privet (Ligustrum x ibolium)

Easily shaped, low-maintenance, and 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.

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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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