Common Privet - Ligustrum vulgare Lodense

Lodense Ligustrum vulgare, or Common Privet or European Privet, is a small variety with semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage (depending on the climate). Its creamy white and fragrant flowering in early summer is followed by a crop of black berries in autumn. Its many qualities contribute to its excellence award in the category of Low Hedge Bushes.

 Originating from Europe, this small-sized privet has a bushy habit and upright stems. It grows relatively slowly, with Lodense Common Privet reaching approximately 80 cm (31.5 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in all directions. Its intensely branched foliage consists of narrow, oval, lanceolate leaves measuring between 3 and 5 cm (2 in) in length and appearing very early in spring. It turns a beautiful bronze colour in autumn. In June-July, small creamy white flowers with a strong fragrance and melliferous properties appear in panicles measuring 10 to 12 centimetres (3.9 - 4.7 inches). Following the flowering, small spherical black berries appear in autumn and winter. The privet's leaves, flowers, and fruits are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Protective measures should also be taken during pruning.

Extremely hardy and easy to grow, Lodense privet thrives in ordinary soil and can tolerate full sun and partial shade conditions. This variety is well-suited for creating low hedges of 1 metre (3.3 ft) and windbreaks, thanks to its small size, hardiness, dense branching, and high tolerance for repeated pruning. It also works well planted in groups, beds, borders, rockeries, standalone plants, wild hedges, pots, or terraces. Highly decorative due to its compact and bushy habit, Lodense privet can be planted in various ways:

It can be combined with other flowering shrubs such as Ceanothus, Spiraea, Hibiscus, Buddleia, Lavatera, and perennial plants such as Gaura Lindheimeri, Verbena bonariensis, Tree Lupin for a beautiful wild flowering hedge. However, the roots of the privet may harm perennial plants growing around it, so it is recommended to leave enough space between the privet and other plants.

It is particularly well-suited for topiary pruning (in the form of balls or other shapes) and container gardening. Pairing it with other pruned shrubs of different shapes and foliage creates a graphical and minimalist design.

Properties: With its highly fragrant flowers that produce a large amount of pollen, making it highly attractive to bees, this privet contributes to preserving these essential pollinators. However, its pollen can cause allergies in some individuals, so caution should be taken when planting it. Additionally, the privet is highly resistant to pollution, making it an excellent choice for urban areas.