Ligustrum Vulgare Atrovirens Privet Atrovirens

Ligustrum Vulgare Atrovirens is an evergreen variety of Common Privet with soft narrow leaves and white pollinator-magnet flowers in spring. It’s an excellent hedging shrub that will grow in virtually any conditions.

Ligustrum Vulgare is our native privet and the only privet that grows wild in the British Isles. Privet Atrovirens is a cultivar of Common Privet that means ‘always green’. It’s been bred to retain the tough almost indestructible aspects of common privet with a more attractive leaf. Small, narrow leaves that are soft to touch are retained all year and in spring new slightly lighter green growth emerges. New growth in spring is followed by tiny white flowers that bloom throughout the summer if it’s left unclipped. Flowers mature into small black berries that last into winter.

Atrovirens tolerates harsh pruning and will grow quickly in almost any soil that isn’t waterlogged. It’s a good choice of tough evergreen in exposed, coastal, and low maintenance areas.

Height And Spread of Ligustrum Vulgare Atrovirens
Privet Atrovirens is a fast-growing variety of privet that will reach a maximum height and spread of two metres.

How Hardy is Ligustrum Vulgare Atrovirens
This is a very hardy evergreen that grows in almost any soil that’s well-drained. Once established it tolerates drought, pruning, and pollution too.

How To Use Ligustrum Vulgare Atrovirens
Privet Atrovirens is an excellent short or tall hedging shrub and creates a dense windbreak around seating areas. It suits low maintenance wildlife areas with its nectar-rich flowers and thickly growing branches that provide plenty of cover for birds and small mammals.
Privet Atrovirens will grow in coastal areas, on slopes, and in areas that other shrubs struggle in such as dry, shaded areas and windy spots.

How To Care For Ligustrum Vulgare Atrovirens
Very little care is needed once Atrovirens is established. It will grow in full sun to shade in exposed or sheltered areas. It is not fussy about soil and tolerates pollution.
This is a fast-growing evergreen, so if you want to maintain its height and spread it will need a twice-yearly trim. Cut back new growth by 15 cms each time it grows to 30cms avoiding flowering times and late summer because frost can damage new growth. Mulch well and water until established.