How to tell the difference between box and privet?
Privet (pictures above) is more drought resistant and prefers a dry soil while Box needs a little extra moisture. Box, though, is a slower grower and reaches around 3m while Privet achieves its 4m a little quicker. Both are evergreens, though Privet will shed leaves in a particularly harsh winter. Box Leaf Privet is one of the most popular hedging plants as it grows all year round, it will grow in almost any soil or conditions, and if it is kept trimmed it looks as good or better than English Box. Box Leaved Privet loves hot sunny positions (they don’t do well in a shady corner) and almost any soil as long as it .
What are the characteristics of a privet?
Privet is a shrub, growing up to 15 feet in height, which depending on species may be deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen. The leaves are elliptic or ovate in shape, oppositely arranged with entire or smooth leaf edges and range from one to three inches in length. Privet is an evergreen shrub that is commonly grown as a garden hedge plant. All parts of the plant are toxic to dogs in large doses.Privet hedges are a dense shrub variety with bright green leaves. These are popular landscaping features for creating yard privacy. A major drawback of privet hedges is that they’re poisonous to humans and animals.The single most common Privet Hedge disease, and the most likely reason for your Privet hedge to start turning brown and dying, is Honey Fungus.The most common pests that affect privet hedging in the UK include vine weevil, spider mites and scale insects. Common privet hedge diseases should be dealt with quickly to prevent your privet hedge dying, these include honey fungus, powdery mildew, rust and leaf spot which are common in UK gardens.
Are privet hedges poisonous?
Wild privet is a shrub of hedgerows, woodlands and scrub, but is also a popular garden-hedge plant. It has white flowers in summer and matt-black berries in winter that are very poisonous. Dogs, especially puppies, may chew on the stems or leaves of Privet. The leaves contain terpenoid glycosides that cause mild to severe reactions. A small amount of Privet will cause diarrhea, vomiting, food avoidance, labored breathing, and general unwell behavior in dogs.Why is it a pest? Chinese privet produces many highly viable seeds that are primarily spread by birds. It forms dense stands which prevent the establishment of native species and displaces vulnerable native shrub species. Berries can be poisonous to native fauna, in particular insects.Both species thrive in a wide range of climates and will tolerate droughts and cold and/or wet conditions. The leaves and berries of privet are considered poisonous to humans and most animals.