Northern Privet

The Northern Privet Plant is resilient to pollutions and other sensitivities common in plants. They endure in a range of hardiness zones and can grow under anything from partial shade to full sun. Although they prefer moist soil, privet shrubs can also grow in flexible soil pH and water levels. These hedges are especially useful in urban areas like the mid-west, where there is not only a fair amount of pollution, but also salt on the roads for a large portion of the year. This fast growing shrub is also salt-resistant.

Another characteristic which makes it useful as a hedge in a densely populated area, is the ability to fill in when pruned properly. With a potential growth rate of 3 feet per year, the shrub can each a mature height upwards of 15 feet and 8 feet wide and the dense leave provide a natural fence of privacy from a bustling city street. The privet hedge can be pruned and shaped to the desired effect, and should be done just after flowering.

Northern Privet is seen flowering around late spring or early summer, usually in June, sometimes accompanied by a distinguishable smell. A more distinct characteristic of this plant, versus other everyday neighborhood shrubs, is that they produce blackberries, preceded by white flowers. Privets will have different characteristics depending on the zone in which they’re grown. They can sometimes be seen with gray-green spots and creamy edges. Their list of qualities, along with their affordability, have made privet hedges a top landscaping choice.hedges a top landscaping choice.