Golden Privet

Golden Privet, also called Vicary Golden Privet, is a deciduous hybrid shrub selected for yellow foliage. North Carolina State Extension describes it as a putative garden hybrid and notes that new leaves are golden yellow, maturing toward chartreuse, with reddish tones in autumn. Fragrant creamy-white flowers in late spring are followed by blue-black fruit. ## Foliage and placement Plant in full sun for stronger golden color or partial shade where some green tones are expected. It suits use as a specimen, informal screen, or hedge; leave new shoots when clipping to retain the brightest foliage. Published mature-size descriptions vary: North Carolina State Extension gives 8–12 feet high and 7–10 feet wide, while Mississippi State Extension lists 10–12 feet for both dimensions. Published size descriptions vary, but both sources describe a substantial shrub that can be maintained as a hedge. North Carolina State Extension lists USDA zones 5a–9b. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry weather. Prune after flowering or shape selectively, avoiding repeated shearing of golden new growth. [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ligustrum-x-vicaryi/common-name/vicary-golden-privet/) and [Mississippi State University Extension](https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/selecting-landscape-shrubs-special-comments-invasive-and-native-plants).