Green Privet, Ligustrum ovalifolium, is an excellent hardy hedging plant. It grows quickly, clips very nicely and it will grow in poor, compacted soil in the shade, next to a busy road.
Privet hedges will reach 3 metres high, perhaps a bit more if it grows freely as a large shrub.Although it may drop its leaves in a harsh winter. This doesn't really affect the cover it provides: The lush, oval leaves are deep green.
Privet is a really useful hedge plant for difficult spots; its only requirement is decent drainage. It will grow vigorously on the worst soils.
Privet regrows quickly from a harsh clipping. It has scented white flowers in summer, followed by small black fruit in early autumn. Its leaves and fruit are eaten by butterfly caterpillars and birds respectively.