Wild privet

Ligustrum vulgare

Semi-evergreen native hedgerow shrub with fragrant white flower panicles and small black berries. Far better for wildlife than the more commonly planted Japanese privet.

Hardiness ratings

Wild privet hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H6 −20 °C to −15 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 2–6 −10 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Larval host plant for the privet hawk-moth — one of the largest and most spectacular moths in the British Isles
  • Fragrant white flower panicles are excellent bee forage
  • Provides dense nesting habitat for small birds
  • Black berries through autumn and winter feed thrushes

Pet caution: Wild privet is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Wild privet against your zones

Reference

Wild privet on Wikipedia