The Oval Leaved Privet makes what is probably the most commonly planted urban hedge. Fast-growing, with a very dense habit, it quickly makes an impenetrable screen which ensures complete privacy. Evergreen in all but the coldest winters, it does well on most soils and copes well with shady conditions. It provides good nesting sites and shelter for birds.

Site and soil

Any soil except waterlogged sites. Wind and pollution tolerant.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 4m x 4m
After 20 years: 4m x 4m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are oval, mid to dark green and glossy, and carried densely on the branches. The bark is greyish-brown and spotted with lenticels.

Flower, fruit & seed

The tubular creamy-white flowers are borne in panicles 10cm long in July; they have a sweetish, musky scent. They are followed by clusters of glossy black berries, which although poisonous to humans, are relished by birds.

Uses

Hedging. Oval Leaved Privet quickly makes a dense impenetrable hedge.

Wildlife

A range of insects, including bees, are attracted to the flowers, and blackbirds, thrushes and waxwings eat the berries. The dense nature of Oval Leaved Privet means that it provides nesting sites for a variety of bird species. When closely clipped as a hedge, it does not bear flowers or berries.