“Atrovirens” – Ligustrum vulgare

Privet – “Atrovirens” – Ligustrum vulgare Variety Description**

Ligustrum vulgare, commonly known as common privet, is a member of the Oleaceae family native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The “Atrovirens” variant is a special evergreen form of this ornamental shrub, which has become extremely popular in gardens and landscape design due to its aesthetic appeal and versatility. Below, we present a detailed description of the “Atrovirens” privet, including its characteristics, requirements, and applications.

### Appearance
The “Atrovirens” common privet is a dense, compactly growing shrub that typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 3 meters. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, giving the plant an elegant and aesthetic appearance. The dense foliage remains throughout the year, making the privet an excellent backdrop in the garden. The “Atrovirens” variety is particularly noteworthy for its ability to continuously add color to the landscape with its vibrant green leaves.

Although the flowers of the common privet are not as showy as those of other ornamental plants, they are still attractive, especially due to their fragrance. The small, white flowers typically bloom in early summer, from June to July, and emit a pleasant scent that attracts bees and other pollinators. Following flowering, small dark berries develop, which not only decorate the plant but also serve as a nutritious food source for birds.

### Site and Soil Requirements
The “Atrovirens” privet thrives in both sunny and partially shaded locations, but it shows the best flowering performance in sunny areas. Ligustrum vulgare adapts well to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but it grows best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. The ideal pH range for the soil should be neutral (6.0-7.0) to ensure optimal growth conditions.

### Care
Ligustrum vulgare “Atrovirens” requires low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. The plant needs occasional watering, especially in the first few years to establish a strong root system, but established specimens can withstand drier periods. Spring pruning helps maintain the shape and density of the plant and encourages the growth of young shoots.

After flowering, it is advisable to remove wilted flowers to keep the plant looking aesthetically pleasing and to manage possible diseases, such as aphids. Ensuring the correct care conditions helps maintain the plant's health.

### Resistance
The “Atrovirens” common privet is generally resistant to most common pests and diseases. However, attention should be paid to aphids and fungal infections, as these can impact the plant's health. Optimal growing conditions and proper care can significantly reduce the risk of disease. The plant is frost-resistant, allowing it to endure cold winter months without the need for special protection.

### Use Cases
The “Atrovirens” privet is highly versatile in landscape design. It is an excellent choice for creating hedges, as its dense foliage provides shelter and screens unwanted views. Additionally, the shrub is ideal for ornamental borders, mixed flower beds, or rock gardens. The berries are attractive to birds, adding ecological value to the plant.

### Summary
Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ is an attractive and versatile ornamental plant that enriches gardens with its beautiful foliage and flowers. Its low maintenance requirements and robust nature make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.