Also known as California Privet · Dog Drake · European Privet
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is a dense, fast-growing shrub with glossy green leaves, small white flowers, and black berries. It's ideal for hedging and screens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Full sun promotes denser growth and better flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young. Water deeply during dry spells.
Clay, Loam, Sand, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
25% intensity
Very hardy and tolerates a wide range of temperatures. Suitable for temperate climates.
Low Maintenance
25% intensity
Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Not essential for established plants.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Contains cyanogenic glycosides and saponins.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young and establishing. Aim for consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter.
Mature plants are somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but benefit from occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins for shaping. For hedges, trim in late spring after flowering and again in late summer to maintain desired form and density.
Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches at any time to improve plant health and structure.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer, or from hardwood cuttings taken in autumn or winter. Cuttings should be 15-20 cm long and placed in well-draining compost.
Rooting can also occur from suckers. Seeds can be sown in autumn.
Young plants in containers benefit from repotting every 1-2 years in spring into a slightly larger pot. Use a good quality, free-draining potting mix. Ensure adequate drainage holes.
Mature plants in the ground generally do not require repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
Where Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Ligustrum |
| Species | Ligustrum vulgare |
Similar in genus Ligustrum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
