Golden Privet
Ligustrum vicaryi
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
108 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
30-50 years
Native To
Cultivated origin
Toxicity
Berries and leaves are toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Privets are a group of fast-growing shrubs known for their durability and tolerance of a wide range of conditions, making them popular choices for hedges and screens. They are typically deciduous or semi-evergreen. Ligustrum x vicaryi, or Golden Privet, is prized for its brilliant golden-yellow foliage that holds its color throughout the growing season, especially in full sun. It provides a vibrant splash of color as a specimen or a bright, cheerful hedge.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun with average, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
- Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water deeply.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.
- Water regularly for the first year until established.
Pro Tip
For the most intense gold color, plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune after flowering if you wish to see the blooms.
- Shear regularly if you are maintaining a formal hedge.
- Provide supplemental water in extreme heat and drought.
- Allow it to grow in its natural arching form for an informal look.
Don't
- Do not plant in deep shade, as the foliage will turn greenish-yellow and growth will be sparse.
- Avoid waterlogged soils.
- Don't plant near play areas where children might be tempted by the toxic berries.
- Refrain from heavy pruning late in the season.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Golden Privet questions
What zones can Golden Privet grow in?
Golden Privet is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Privet deer resistant?
Yes — Golden Privet is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Golden Privet bloom?
Golden Privet typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Privet need full sun?
Golden Privet does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Golden Privet drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Privet handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Ligustrum to compare
California Privet
Ligustrum ovalifolium
Lodense European Privet
Ligustrum vulgare 'Lodense'
Straight Talk Privet
Ligustrum vulgare 'Straight Talk'
Cheyenne Privet
Ligustrum vulgare 'Cheyenne'
Howard's Ligustrum
Ligustrum japonicum 'Howardi'
Waxleaf Privet
Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'
Keep exploring
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Grow Golden Privet with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
