Golden Privet Hedge

Golden Privet Hedge

Hedges are amongst the most fashionable plants that you can put in any garden. They are practical and great for privacy. Hedges can be used for defining areas in the garden, for dividing one section from another, adding structure to the garden.

Privet

There are many species and varieties of privet but, the narrow leaf privet(Ligustrum sinense) and the broad leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum) are declared as noxious weeds in NSW. The Golden privet we looked at in this segment is Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' which is not a noxious weed. Privet in the past has not been a popular choice for a hedge because people claim that it's a threat to our native plants in the bush and other say it causes a lot of allergies. However it is not likely to cause allergies. Studies have shown that people who suffer from hayfever may react to privet perfume as they do to numerous other irritants, but very few react to the pollen. In terms of the environment, privet is already in the environment because it's been spread by native birds that eat the fruit, so growing it in your garden is unlikely to make things worse. Nonetheless if you grow privet as a trimmed hedge make sure you trim off the flowers and fruit. Privet is a hardy plant that grows well in Australian conditions and makes a great hedge if you're prepared to put in the work to clip it. There are also some forms that have golden shades through them.

Warning

Some privets are declared noxious weeds in most shires of New South Wales (not in other states or territories) where "the weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed and any established plantings must be prevented from flowering and fruiting".

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