Overview
A dense, fast-growing evergreen shrub with rich leaves, margined bright yellow. White flowers appear in midsummer, followed by black berries. Grows to approximately 10-15ft tall and wide, so ideal for formal or informal hedging.
Description
Ligustrum ovalfolium 'Aureum' is a dense, fast-growing evergreen shrub. It grows to 10-15 feet tall and wide. It has yellow leaves, which are usually green in the centre.
Planting Position
Suitable for most locations and soil types. Can handle exposed sites and is very hardy. Best grown in fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Size
Growth Rate: Fast
Final Height: 4-5m
Final Spread: 4-5m
Foliage and Flowers
Ligustrum ovalfolium flowers in midsummer, the abundant white blooms producing a unique pungent fragrance, unpleasant to some. They are borne in panicles. They have four curled-back petals and two high stamens with yellow or red anthers, between which is the low pistil: the petals and stamens fall off after the flower is fertilised. The fruits, which are small and purple and borne in clusters, are poisonous for humans but readily eaten by many birds. In favourable growing conditions, individual shrubs may produce thousands of fruits.
Plant Interest
Golden Privet is attractive to wildlife; the fruit attracts birds, and the dense foliage is good for nesting.
Predominantly used as hedging in the UK, or can be used as an ornamental shrub. It must be trimmed several times during a growing season when used as a hedging plant. A regularly trimmed plant will not produce flowers or fruit.
