Privet : Ligustrum

Glossy, smooth-edged, dark green leaves make this dense hedge popular. Fragrant flowers are followed by blue-black berries. Reaches 8 to 10 ft. tall and 5 to 7 ft. wide.

Many of the vigorous, fast-growing, evergreen or deciduous shrubs in this group are practically synonymous with the word "hedge." All can be clipped, pruned, and groomed into formal shapes or screens. Unclipped, they bloom in clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers, which attract bees. Birds like the blue or black berries that follow the flowers. Be sure of what you're buying, as many varieties look alike. L. ovalifolium (California Privet, called Common Privet in Great Britain), which tolerates some heat, and L. vulgare (Common Privet), which has lighter green leaves and tolerates dry soil, are often confused. They grow in almost any soil and in many climates, but most need lots of water. In the North, grow the cold-hardy L. amurense. In the South, plant the evergreen L. delavayanum. Most are pest- and disease-free.