Indian Privet

This sprawling and climbing shrub, commonly called Indian Privet, is native to India and is widely seen in Arriyadh owing to its versatility and robustness. Normally a climber which will reach a height of over 9 metres and a spread of up to 3 metres, it is equally at home as a mounding groundcover spreading up to 3 metres. It can also be clipped or hedged into a variety of shapes and trained over fences and pergolas. The shrub has lush, bright-green leaves and small clusters of faintly scented, jasmine-like flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Growing very rapidly, but not very drought-resistant, it tolerates extreme heat, wind and salinity, even performing well in brackish water. C. inerme will grow in almost any soil and tolerates poor drainage. Regular irrigation is necessary to keep this shrub looking well. It is propagated by seed and cuttings. Plants are particularly susceptible to tomato hornworms, are often overrun by the parasitic dodder plant and have occasional infestations of white flies. Indian Privet needs frequent pruning, especially when planted as a hedge and older plants become quite woody after a few years, if they have been neglected. Maintenance is relatively intensive because of the required regular pruning to contain the plant. Often, the shrubs have to be removed and a new start made. C. inerme is a useful climber on a shade structure or trellis covering a wall. It can also be attached to steel cables. It makes a good plant for roadsides, if irrigation and frequent correct pruning are carried out.