Privet shrubs are plants that are classified under the genus Ligustrum. As a result they are commonly known as Ligustrum shrubs as well. Privet shrubs are used as hedges so popularly that they are many who just call them 'privet hedges'. These shrubs are mainly grown for their deep, dense foliage that they provide once they are pruned into becoming hedges.

Appearance

These Privet shrubs can reach heights of fifteen feet and have a spread of eight feet. They are fast growing and have medium sized leaves. They have clusters of small, creamy white flowers in late spring to early summer that attract many insects. Following these flowers, small berries form. Depending on the location in which they are grown, they can be deciduous, evergreen or semi evergreen. Semi evergreen shrubs keep their leaves through most of the year and only lose them during particularly cold winters.

Cultivation

These hedges prefer full sun to partial shade and slightly wet soil. They tolerate wide ranges of pH. They should preferable be three years old and when planting these shrubs keep them twelve inches apart. As they get bigger, they will grow together on their own.

Dig a hole that is just enough to cover the roots fully. Place the roots into the soil with the dirt from the planting container as well. The plant will stand up on its own. You should water it every three days for a few weeks. After this is done, water them only if there are dry spells.

Uses

These shrubs are the ones that are most commonly used to form hedges. They are beautiful plants when planted in isolation, but many people grow a few together to form hedges. They grow very quickly and are easier to shape than boxwood shrubs, which is why these are more commonly used in hedges. They are used mostly as a natural fence, to mark the boundaries or as privacy hedges in many homes.

Popularity

This hedge is loved by gardeners because it can thrive in any type of soil, or without any sunlight. It is a 'plant it and forget it' plant that will grow on its own after it establishes itself. It is used in several homes because it is easy to prune into the shape you want, and for the dense, tall foliage it brings. Many homes can be seen having this hedge for privacy, as well as to keep out wind and sunlight.

Care Tips

When planting these Privet shrubs as a natural fence you will have to prune it but only take off a few inches. If the weather is dry, you need to give the plant some extra watering sessions. Apart from that, it doesn't need more water than the amount it naturally gets from rain. Watering this plant is best done with a nozzle spray so that the water flows to all parts of the plant and you need to ensure you wet the roots. Fertilizer of any kind isn't needed for this hedge as it can grow very well on its own.