Ligustrum ovalifolium (Privet)
Common privet is a cultivated form of the wild plant with more rounded leaves it is semi-evergreen shrub of hedgerows, woodland edges and hedging in suburban gardens. When left untrimmed white flowers appear from June and black berries ripen in autumn. Although the berries are poisonous to humans, they are eaten by thrushes and other birds. Berries will not grow if the plants are regularly trimmed.
Privet is also the main foodplant of the privet hawk-moth and provides cover for small birds and other animals. Our privet hedge is always full of sparrows, robins, bluetits and other birds.
Has also been known to be a feed source for certain animals, many people growing small plants to offer fresh feed sources for stick insects.
Grows in full sun or part shade, tolerates most soil types and aspects. Can tolerate a hard pruning.
Comes in a litre pot approximately 25cm tall.