Need a Privacy Hedge? Try This Beautiful Fast-Growing Shrub

The Variegated Chinese Privet shrub is ideal for planting as a hedge or privacy screen. It may not be for the particular gardener, though, because many gardeners consider the Privet shrub to be quite invasive. Unlike some other gardeners, when I hear the word "invasive" I often think, 'great, it will be easy to grow!' Also, most "invasive" plants do not require a great deal of care and save precious water resources. The Variegated Chinese Privet is drought tolerant.

The beautiful variegation of the leaves on the Variegated Chinese Privet shrub nicely brighten a dark spot in the garden. The variegated leaves also provide a nice contrast to a dark fence or dark home exterior.

The proper name of the Variegated Chinese Privet is Ligustrum sinensis 'Variegata'.

Attracts Helpful and Beautiful Garden Creatures

Butterflies, birds, and bees are attracted to the small white fragrant flowers that appear on the Variegated Chinese Privet in mid-Spring. Bees are necessary to pollinate plants. Butterflies are beautiful to watch as they flutter from flower to flower. Perhaps a small bird will find refuge in the leafy branches of the Variegated Chinese Privet shrub.

Sun Exposure

The Variegated Chinese Privet will thrive in a sunny to partly sunny location in your garden. To ensure the variegation remains vibrant, a location with full sun is the best choice.

Hardiness

The Variegated Chinese Privet is hardy in Zones 6b to 10a.

Fast Growth Rate

The growth rate of the Privet shrub is quite fast. It is possible to establish a nice privacy screen in as little as one year. Want to screen out the view of your neighbor's messy backyard as quickly as possible? Rather than erecting a tall, boring, and expensive wood panel fence, the Privet shrub will quickly provide a natural, beautiful border to screen the unsightly view.

Mature Shrub Dimensions

The mature Variegated Chinese Privet can grow to a height as tall as twelve feet as well as about four to six feet in width. Trimming the shrub helps retain the dense growth habit.

Ideal Planting Time

Fall is an ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. The dormant winter months will allow maximum root growth. The plant will be able to securely establish itself before the new growth time of Spring arrives. Once the blistering temperatures of summer hit, less watering will be necessary for the already established, well-rooted plant.