Common bonsai specimen. Grows well in containers. Fast draining soil - full sun - balanced fertilizer. Tolerates hard pruning well. Best to dig before spring growth begins.

Al

I did not know it was a common bonsai specimen! Interesting. I would never have guessed that. I would assume the fact that it takes pruning so well might be one of the reasons? I have zero knowledge about bonsai. Thanks for your helpful feedback. I potted it over the weekend. Michele

See the beginning work on a future bonsai tree from a garden or hedge plant at the link below.

Al

Here is a link that might be useful: C'mon! I'll show you how they start a Ligustrum bonsai.

Now that your privet is a container specimen, you might consider allowing it to bloom and set fruit. Privets have really fragrant flowers -- something a lot of people never realize because when they're grown as a hedge the flowering stems are usually kept chopped back. But I lived next door to a neglected privet hedge for years and loved the scent that would waft into our yard, and the little waxy black berries the birds liked so much.

I also personally think a more natural bush shape is so much more attractive than a pompon or block, especially a single plant in a container.

Kristin

Kristin -- I like the scent too. I have waxy privet hedge around the front of my house -- so I let it bush out in the Spring, so that I can get the scent before I prune it.