DIY Network

Note: Several species of ligustrum are invasive. Variegated privet, as we planted, has not yet been shown to be invasive. Chinese privet, Ligustrum sinense, however, is invasive and should be avoided.

• Deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub with golden foliage
  
• Height: 6-12 feet; Width: 7-10 feet
  
• Plant in average garden soil that is well-drained
  
• Plant in full sun
  
• Hardy in USDA zones 5-8:
  
  
  • Zone 5: Plant in spring; mulch in fall after first frost; plant in full sun; water regularly in dry spells during first growing season; prune after flowering in spring to reduce seedlings.
    
  • Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; mulch in fall after first frost; plant in full sun; water regularly in dry spells during first growing season; prune after flowering in spring to reduce seedlings.
    
  • Zone 7: Plant in early fall; mulch in fall after first frost; plant in full sun; water regularly in dry spells during first growing season; prune after flowering in spring to reduce seedlings; may be semi-evergreen in this zone.
    
  • Zone 8: Plant in early fall; mulch in fall; plant in full sun; water regularly in dry spells during first growing season; prune after flowering in spring to reduce seedlings; may be semi-evergreen in this zone; may revert to greener color in this zone.

• Deciduous shrub with silver foliage and showy violet-blue flowers in late summer and early fall
  
• Height: 3-5 feet; Width: 2-4 feet
  
• Plant in poor to average garden soil that is well-drained
  
• Plant in full sun; prune severely when dormant
  
• Hardy in USDA zones 5-9:
  
  
  • Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; avoid exposure to salt; prune back to 12 inches and mulch heavily after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
    
  • Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; prune back to 12 inches and mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
    
  • Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; prune back to 12 inches and mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
    
  • Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; prune back to 12 inches and mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
    
  • Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; prune back to 12 inches and mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.

• Tender herbaceous perennial grown as an annual with spires of dark blue flowers
  
• Height: up to 2 feet; Width: 12-18 inches
  
• Plant in average to poor garden soil that is well-drained; water during dry periods
  
• Plant in full sun to light shade
  
• Annual in USDA zones 2-7
  
• Hardy in USDA zones 8-10:
  
  
  • Zones 2-7: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; plant in full sun; mulch to conserve moisture and protect from cooler weather; discard plants after first frost.
    
  • Zone 8: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; plant in full sun to light shade; cut back plants in fall and mulch.
    
  • Zone 9: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; cut back plants in fall and mulch.