Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Wild privet, Ligustrum vulgare, is native to the UK and Europe and is often included in mixed native hedge mixes to provide evergreen cover in winter. It bears small white flowers in summer, followed by dark purple/black berries. It's a popular roosting and nesting habitat for birds and its flowers and berries are well used by local wildlife. It's the main caterpillar foodplant of the privet hawk-moth, Sphinx ligustri.

For best results grow Ligustrum vulgare in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Prune back annually to maintain a good shape.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Fruitsyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyes

Ligustrum and wildlife

Ligustrum is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Ligustrum poisonous?

Ligustrum can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement