shrub

Lodense European Privet

Ligustrum vulgare 'Lodense'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

25+ years

Native To

Europe, North Africa

Toxicity

Berries and leaves are toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Ligustrum vulgare, or common privet, is a vigorous, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub native to Europe and North Africa. It is known for its toughness and adaptability to a wide range of conditions. 'Lodense' is a distinct dwarf cultivar, whose name is a contraction of 'low' and 'dense'. It grows as a compact, tight mound, making it an excellent choice for low formal hedges and borders without requiring constant shearing.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Lodense' is a functional landscape plant used to create structure and definition in the garden. Its fine texture and dense habit make it perfect for creating crisp, formal lines, whether as a low hedge, a border for a formal garden, or in foundation plantings.

Its extreme toughness, adaptability to sun or shade, and tolerance of a wide range of soils make it a go-to problem solver for difficult sites. It withstands heavy shearing and is very drought tolerant once established.

If left unsheared, the small, white flowers provide nectar for pollinators, and the black berries are eaten by birds. However, this same seed dispersal by birds is what allows it to become invasive in many parts of North America.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in any soil type, from sand to heavy clay.
Choose a location from full sun to heavy shade.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Space plants 18-24 inches apart for a dense hedge.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Shear lightly after planting to encourage branching from the base.

Pro Tip

Though it flowers, 'Lodense' is grown for foliage; regular shearing to maintain a hedge will remove most flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune or shear regularly to maintain desired size and shape.
Water during prolonged drought, though it is very drought tolerant.
Plant in a wide range of conditions; it is highly adaptable.
Check local regulations, as privet can be invasive in some areas.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, boggy soils.
Avoid letting it grow untrimmed if you desire a formal look.
Don't plant near natural areas in regions where it is considered invasive.
Do not ingest any part of the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Neat and tidy low formal hedgeDurable foundation plantingEdging for pathways and borders

Companion Plants

Buxus 'Green Velvet' Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro' Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound' Taxus x media 'Hicksii'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lodense European Privet questions

What zones can Lodense European Privet grow in?

Lodense European Privet is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lodense European Privet deer resistant?

Yes — Lodense European Privet is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lodense European Privet bloom?

Lodense European Privet typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lodense European Privet need full sun?

Lodense European Privet does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Lodense European Privet drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lodense European Privet handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.