Privet, Straight Talk Ligustrum vulgare 'Swift' Height: 12 feet Spread: 4 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4a Other Names: European Privet, Common Privet Brand: First Editions Description: This variety is perfect as a vertical accent in tight spaces; takes pruning exceptionally well; densely branched, with interesting flowers (if not pruned) followed by black berries in fall; easy to grow, handles polluted city conditions well Ornamental Features Privet, Straight Talk is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its rigidly columnar form. It has panicles of lightly-scented white flowers hanging below the branches from late spring to early summer. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The glossy oval leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. Landscape Attributes Privet, Straight Talk is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Privet, Straight Talk is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Privet, Straight Talk will grow to be about 12 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Special Attributes Evergreens need to be watered during the winter. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter.
