Ligustrum, or 'Privet Laurel', is the absolute gold standard in topiary and standard form trees and shrubs. The exceptionally small and tight growing leaves create a dense network of stems, making for easy cutting and shaping. Ligustrum, in fact, form the basis of the most exotic and stunning topiary creations, yet also make wonderful standards, lollipops and globes too, as a better alternative to Box (Buxus). Very forgiving of all weathers, they may lose an odd leaf in coldest winters, but recover quickly in spring. Trim regularly in growing season, or allow them to grow a little and they will produce sweet scented cream flowers, followed by berries. Perfect in pairs aside doorways, gates and paths, or allow them to grow and get creative and make your own shapes too.
Possibly one of the most popular hedging plants in the UK, Privet can be seen in many gardens. Easy to grow and tolerant of most growing conditions these evergreen hedges can last for years. It is trouble free from pests and diseases and it's compact growth make it ideal for small and large gardens alike!.Plants will produce clusters of white flowers, but this is unlikely if hedges are trimmed regularly.
Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) or Golden Privet is robust and very popular choice for topiary and hedging, and this golden form 'Aureum' is a colourful variation of the more usual green plants. Easy and reliable, privet is fairly quick growing and soon forms a decent hedge and will grow virtually anywhere from sun to shade. The glossy leaves are edged in golden-yellow and stay on the plants all year, except during periods of extreme heat or cold - so Aureum is a semi evergreen in nature although soon bounces back to lush growth in the spring, coming back bigger and bushier. When plants are allowed to grow untrimmed, they produce pretty creamy clusters of fragrant flowers in summer as an added bonus, which are attractive to butterflies and birds and these are followed by glossy black berries. The densely packed, small leaves mean that it is easily trimmed into shape so ideal for different shapes and sizes of hedge - trim it a couple of times during the summer to encourage the formation of a dense, formal garden hedge. The slim branches also mean that you can run over it with a pair of shears or light cutting equipment to get it into shape. Plus, if you leave your hedge and it gets out of hand, you can give it a good chop back and it quickly recovers. Privet will grow well virtually anywhere (although dislikes sitting in wet soil) and is suitable for coastal situations (although it may defoliate a bit in winter). Plants are resistant to pollution and so a really great choice for town gardens where other plants may not thrive so well. Supplied as 3 x established plants in 9cm pots, ready to plant out. For hedges plant 40cm (16') apart