Howard Privet
Ligustrum vulgare ‘Howardii’
In stock & ready to ship today
FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more!
Will thrive in
Not suited for outdoor growing in
Ligustrum vulgare ‘Howardii’
In stock & ready to ship today
FREE shipping on orders of $49 or more!
Will thrive in
Not suited for outdoor growing in
This versatile shrub matures to a majestic 6-12 feet tall, letting you design a privacy screen that perfectly suits your needs. Plus, its lush green and white foliage adds a touch of elegance all year round. It tolerates dry spells beautifully and requires minimal maintenance, so you can spend less time watering and more time enjoying your tranquil escape.
The Howard Privet’s captivating foliage is a showstopper throughout the seasons. In spring, new leaves emerge with a glossy, bright green sheen, contrasting beautifully with the established darker green growth. As these new leaves mature, they take on a deeper, richer green tone, creating a captivating two-toned effect.
Throughout the summer, the rich green foliage remains the star of the show, offering a dense and luxurious backdrop for your garden. Come fall, unlike many shrubs, the Howard Privet doesn’t produce a dramatic color change. Instead, its evergreen nature takes center stage, providing a vibrant pop of color against the muted tones of the season.
During the winter months, when most plants appear dormant, the Howard Privet’s glossy, green leaves persist, offering a touch of life and warmth to your landscape.
For optimal growth, plant your Howard Privet in a location receiving at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. They tolerate some shade, but full sun promotes vibrant green foliage. Well-drained soil is essential; avoid planting in constantly wet areas.
At maturity, Howard Privets reach 6-12 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. When planting multiple privets for a hedge, space them 6 feet apart to create a beautiful and effective privacy screen.
Make a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball of your container-grown Howard Privet, and slightly deeper than the root ball itself. Loosen the soil around the edges of the hole to encourage healthy root development.
Carefully remove your Howard Privet from its container and gently loosen any circling roots. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root crown sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole and tamp gently to eliminate air pockets.
Water your newly planted Howard Privet deeply, soaking the soil around the base until water runs freely from the drainage holes. This ensures a thoroughly saturated root ball for healthy growth.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches from the stem. Replenish the mulch as needed throughout the year. Water deeply once a week during the first year, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Established Howard Privets are generally more drought tolerant.
With the Howard Privet, you can cultivate a space that reflects your desire for peace and privacy. It’s the perfect backdrop for summer barbecues with friends, a cozy retreat for reading a captivating novel, or a calming environment for unwinding after a long day. Don’t wait to transform your backyard into the oasis you deserve. Add one to your cart today and order your Howard Privet – your gateway to a world of serenity awaits.
Water deeply once a week during the first year, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. After that, established plants generally need less frequent watering. Aim for every other week, adjusting based on weather conditions.
Howard Privets prefer at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some shade, but full sun promotes vibrant foliage and healthy growth.
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Cut away dead or damaged branches, and shape the shrub as desired. Regular pruning isn’t essential but encourages bushier growth and maintains a neat appearance.
Feed your Howard Privet with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth. If needed, you can add a second dose in mid-summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially late in the season, as it can encourage weak growth susceptible to winter damage.
Replenish the mulch layer around the base of your Howard Privet annually with 2-3 inches of fresh mulch. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature for optimal root health.
Howard Privets are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for common problems and treat them promptly with appropriate organic or selective methods following label instructions.
Water your Howard Privet deeply as soon as it arrives. If it’s in a pot, soak the root ball thoroughly. For bare-root plants, soak the roots in water for several hours before planting to ensure they’re well-hydrated.
Consistent moisture is crucial for establishing a strong root system. Water your Howard Privet deeply once a week, allowing the water to penetrate the soil. During hot or dry periods, check the soil moisture regularly and water more frequently if the top two inches feel dry.
Once established, your Howard Privet becomes more drought tolerant. Water every week or two, depending on weather conditions. Deep watering is still essential, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. A finger test is a good practice: insert your finger a few inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Hold off on fertilizing for the first 3-4 weeks after planting. This allows your Howard Privet to adjust to its new environment and establish its root system. Begin with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to provide gentle nourishment without overwhelming the plant.
In early spring, when new growth emerges, give your Howard Privet a boost with a balanced fertilizer. Opt for a formula with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, like a 10-10-10 blend. You can add another dose in mid-summer if needed.
An annual dose of fertilizer in early spring is sufficient for established Howard Privets. Use a balanced fertilizer again to promote healthy growth. If the plant shows signs of slow growth or pale leaves, a mid-summer feeding might be beneficial. However, avoid over-fertilizing, especially late in the season, as it can stimulate new growth vulnerable to frost damage.
Always water your Howard Privet thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients reach the roots. Avoid applying fertilizer directly against the stem, as it can burn the plant. Instead, spread the fertilizer evenly under the branches following the recommended dosage on the package. Remember, more isn’t always better – over-fertilizing can harm your plant.
The best time to prune Howard Privets is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Pruning at this time minimizes stress on the plant and allows it to focus its energy on healthy spring growth.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers to make clean cuts. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, shape the hedge as desired. Prune from the sides and top, working inwards to maintain a slightly pyramidal shape. This allows sunlight to reach the lower branches, promoting bushier growth throughout the hedge.
Regular pruning isn’t mandatory for Howard Privets, but it encourages denser growth and a neater appearance. However, avoid over-pruning, especially during the growing season. Light pruning throughout the summer months to maintain the desired shape is sufficient. Remember, it’s always better to prune a little less than you think you need, as you can always go back and remove more later.
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