We stay on the topic of hedges. Last week we focused on the different shades of blue of Juniperus scopulorum needles, today we will focus on the greens of Ligustrum.

Our offer includes three species of privet: Ligustrum ibota, L. ovalifolium, and L. vulgare. How do they differ and what are their characteristics? Read on.

Let's start with the exotic, Japanese beauty with a tasty name - Ligustrum ibota Musli®. It is an evergreen (or partially evergreen) plant that grows to about 1.5 m in height and similar width. It has beautiful, green-cream leaves that nicely brighten up the space. Like other privets, Musli® blooms in early summer with white, fragrant, and nectar-producing flowers (important for bees and other pollinators). Small, dark berries appear in summer and are eagerly eaten by birds.
Musli® tolerates cutting perfectly and can be shaped into any green garden sculpture or an elegant hedge. It has average soil and moisture requirements and likes sunny or slightly shaded positions. It is very frost-resistant and works well in places where there are still real winters.

Ligustrum ovalifolium and Ligustrum vulgare. The two most common species in hedgerows throughout Europe. How do they differ? First of all, frost resistance.
Ligustrum vulgare tolerates frosts down to about -25°C, while Ligustrum ovalifolium can tolerate frosts down to only -18°C.
They also differ in the shape of the leaves - L. ovalifolium has slightly more rounded leaves, 3-6 cm long, and evergreen (or partially evergreen). L. vulgare has more pointed leaves, about 6 cm long, falling off in winter.
Both species bloom white and produce small, spherical, initially green and over time black fruit, which are a valuable element of the birds' winter diet. They are tolerant of soil and do well in sunny or semi-shady places. L. vulgare performs well in urban conditions, it is resistant to pollution and salinity.

Check out the available varieties with colorful leaves of L. ovalifolium 'Argenteum' (green leaves with a cream edge) and 'Aureum' (green leaves with a yellow edge).

Choose the most suitable variety of Ligustrum vulgare with green leaves:

You could say that privet hedges are hackneyed, boring, old-fashioned... Sure! But we encourage you to see their positive side! First of all, they are very flexible, they are not afraid of scissors, and they can be planted even by inexperienced gardeners. They provide privacy in our space and shelter for small animals. They bloom, smell, and attract pollinating insects. They produce small, distinctive fruits that, although inedible to humans, are eagerly eaten by birds. It is worth planting privet hedges. Definitely.

Do you have any questions? Are you wondering what to choose to best meet the needs of your customers? Contact us, we will be happy to advise you!