Can Privets Live in Shade?

Exposures

• Before planting any privets, you can determine how much sun your planting site receives between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. A site that receives direct sun all day long is known as "full sun." Sites that receive 5 to 6 hours of sun or a shifting, light mix of shade and sun are known as "light shade." Sites that receive 3 to 4 hours of sun or a constant mix of sun and shade are known as "partial shade." "Full shade" sites receive only reflected, indirect light.

Privets for Partial Shade

• Several privet varieties thrive in partially shaded sites. These include the waxleaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum), named for its lustrous, dark foliage. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 10, this fast-growing evergreen shrub reaches heights to 20 feet. The amur privet (Ligustrum amurense) has deciduous foliage and grows to 15 feet tall and wide. It's hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7 and attracts butterflies with its lacy, white flowers. Border privets (Ligustrum obtusifolium) also thrive in partial shade. These 12-foot-tall shrubs have deciduous foliage that puts on a colorful show in autumn. They're hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.

Privets for Full Shade

• The Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) and some of its cultivars can tolerate full shade conditions, though their foliage may be less dense. Chinese privets grow to 15 feet tall and wide and are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9. Their glossy green foliage is offset by white spring flowers and blue-black fruits that attract birds. Cultivars of Chinese privet include "Variegatum," which grows to 20 feet tall and has green and white foliage. The Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) also grows in shady sites. Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10, this evergreen shrub grows to 12 feet tall with a 6-foot spread. It has tough, dark leaves and tolerates drought.

Privets for Light Shade or Sun

• Certain varieties of privet can grow in shady conditions, but inadequate sunlight may cause the plants to appear spindly and negatively affect both foliage health and flowering. Avoid planting privets with variegated foliage in shady sites, such as the Vicary golden privet (Ligustrum vicaryi). This shrub's yellow-green leaves develop their strongest yellow color when planted in full sun exposures. Vicary golden privets are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 and grow from 6 to 12 feet tall. Other variegated privets include the "Aureum" (Ligustrum ovalifolium "Aureum"), which has yellow foliage and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.