Vicary Golden Privet
Best vibrant shrub for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, deer-resistant privacy screens.
The Vicary Golden Privet is an upright deciduous shrub, perfect for informal, unclipped hedges. Its vibrant golden foliage shines all season, especially in full sun, offering a striking contrast with green plants. In fall, the leaves turn a beautiful purple-red. This shrub thrives in well-draining soils and tolerates moderate drought once established. It's an excellent choice for borders and privacy screens, requiring moderate watering and annual pruning for shape. Its deer resistance adds to its appeal for landscape use.
$39.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1635
/ 2688
#1635 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Brand
Monrovia Growers
/ Monrovia Growers
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, year-round landscape highlights
- Homeowners needing fast-growing, dense privacy screens
- Urban dwellers managing difficult soil or polluted environments
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance, hands-off landscaping
- Eco-conscious planters concerned about local invasive species
- Families with curious pets or small children
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Vibrant golden foliage provides a high-contrast focal point all season long.
Hardiness
Reliable performance in Zone 5 with impressive drought tolerance once established.
Maintenance Ease
Requires annual pruning to maintain its upright, informal shape.
Landscape Versatility
Adapts perfectly to privacy screens, borders, or container gardening.
Deer Resistance
Strong natural defense makes it a safer bet for rural landscapes.
Seasonal Interest
Dynamic color shift from summer gold to striking autumn purple-red.
Key Specs
Brand
Monrovia Growers
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5
Mature Height
10 ft
Mature Width
10 ft
Light Needs
Full Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Soil Type
Well-draining soils
Features
- Bright golden foliage all season long
- Attractive fall color transition
- Ideal for informal hedges
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant once established
- Suitable for borders and privacy
- Container friendly
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional quality and vibrant aesthetic of the Vicary Golden Privet. Reviewers frequently note the plants arrive robust and healthy, establishing quickly with minimal fuss. The striking golden foliage is a major draw, providing reliable, year round color that significantly enhances landscape design. This high vigor and dependable performance solidify its reputation as a premium, worthwhile investment for gardeners seeking impactful color and proven reliability.
Know before you buy
To create a dense, informal hedge, space your Vicary Golden Privets about 4 to 5 feet apart. This allows the plants to grow together while still providing enough airflow for healthy development.
The foliage is a vibrant gold during the spring and summer months, especially when planted in full sun. As temperatures drop in the fall, the leaves transition into a striking purple-red before dropping for the winter.
Yes, the Vicary Golden Privet is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, this variety is generally avoided by deer, making it a reliable choice for landscapes where browsing is a concern.
Absolutely. Because it is container-friendly, it works well in large pots on a patio or deck. Just ensure your container has adequate drainage and be prepared to water more frequently than you would for a plant in the ground.
While it is naturally an upright grower, an annual pruning is recommended to maintain your desired shape and density. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
The Vicary Golden Privet is hardy in Zone 5, meaning it can withstand cold winter temperatures down to -20°F. If you live in a colder region, it is best to check your specific hardiness zone to ensure it will thrive.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$40