Ligustrum ovalifolium Green Diamond - Garden Privet

Ligustrum ovalifolium Green Diamond is a recent variety of California Privet that stands out for its much more compact habit than that of the original species. Evergreen in winter depending on the climate, this bush is perfect for forming a very dense low hedge. Its summer flowering in white panicles is fragrant and honey-bearing, and it produces small black berries in autumn, which persist until late in the season. This bush requires little maintenance, does not need regular pruning, and adapts very well to container cultivation, making it perfect for greening terraces and large balconies. 

Green Diamond is a recent Dutch horticultural creation by the company Heco Stekcultures BV. It is derived from Ligustrum ovalifolium, which belongs to the Oleaceae family, just like lilac and forsythia, osmanthus and phillyrea, and of course olive, Olea europea. Despite its name, the California Privet is not native to the United States, but to Japan and Korea. It is a fast-growing young plant, reaching 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft) in height, with semi-evergreen foliage. It was introduced to Europe in the late 19th century.

Unlike the original species, Green Diamond is a compact plant, measuring only about 1.50m (5ft) in height, and 1m (3ft) in width. Its very dense and upright habit from the base, as well as its dense foliage, make it a perfect choice for low hedges. Its foliage is evergreen in winter depending on the climate, and consists of glossy, narrow, ovate, lanceolate leaves, of a beautiful deep green, measuring between 3 and 7cm (1 and 3in) in length, and appearing early in the season. In June-July, small highly fragrant and honey-bearing creamy-white flowers appear in panicles measuring 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in). They give way in autumn to small spherical black berries, which will persist through part of the winter. The leaves, flowers, and fruits are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. This privet is hardy down to -20°C (-4°F).

Interesting for its compact and bushy habit, Green Diamond can be used in multiple ways. It is ideal for the formation of low to medium hedges due to the density of its foliage, its medium stature, its hardiness, and its naturally very dense branching. It is easy to shape as desired, making it well-suited for topiary pruning (in ball or other forms). Its limited growth also allows it to be grown in containers, which is interesting on a balcony to create a decorative privacy screen. Finally, it will have a beautiful effect with other pruned shrubs, playing with the shape and colour of the foliage, in a sculptural and minimalist setting. The beautiful Photinia serratifolia 'Pink Crispy', with variegated green and cream leaves and young shoots of coppery pink, will be a perfect companion for forming a medium hedge, as well as Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Eleador', with evergreen foliage variegated with bright yellow throughout the seasons.

Privet roots may be detrimental to the growth of certain perennial plants planted at its base. As a precaution, respect a sufficient planting distance around it.