Green Privet or Ligustrum Ovalifolium (Oval Leaved Privet) is an excellent choice for a formal hedge and they also make super topiary. Privet hedges have long been favoured as a boundary hedge as they are easy to grow, easy to maintain and very reliable. Privet is semi- evergreen so will hold onto its leaves except over hard winters or in coastal areas. Ligustrum Ovalifolium has been the preferred choice for a green privet hedge as they tend to hold their leaves more reliably than the wild privet (Ligustrum Vulgare). Privet is a fast growing and tough plant with oval, rich green leaves. Creamy White flowers form in summer though normally only if left unclipped. The flowers would be followed by black berries for the birds in Winter. Repeated clipping in summer produces the best specimen hedges and topiary. Privet can be cut hard in spring to restore shape and keep the hedge within bounds. Privet would be an excellent choice for a reliable, cost effective, easy to maintain boundary hedge.
