Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
Care, watering, light and tips for Common privet on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Oleaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Common privet
Ligustrum vulgare, commonly known as common privet, is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Oleaceae family. It is characterized by its dark green oval leaves and the production of small, fragrant white flowers in summer, followed by black berries. It is ideal for forming dense hedges and privacy screens, as well as for borders and group plantings in country or formal style gardens.
Native range
Europe and North Africa
Care tips
Common privet thrives in full sun to partial shade and is very adaptable to different soil types, though it prefers well-drained ones. It requires regular watering during dry periods, especially when young, but once established, it is quite drought-tolerant. To maintain a desired shape and encourage density, regular pruning is essential, with neglecting this aspect being a common mistake. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to fungal root diseases.