Privet shrubs, from the Ligustrum genus in the olive family, are evergreen to semi-evergreen plants widely used for hedges and screens. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, they thrive in zones 5-9, tolerating a range of soils and full sun to part shade. Their dense growth makes them landscaping staples.
These shrubs vary in size—some dwarf varieties reach 2-4 feet, while others climb to 15 feet—sporting glossy, oval leaves in shades of green or variegated patterns. Spring brings clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers, though some find the scent overpowering. They’re fast-growing and easy to shape.
After flowering, privets produce small, dark purple to black berries, enjoyed by birds but toxic to humans and pets. The berries persist into fall, adding subtle color, though the shrubs are primarily valued for foliage over fruit. Regular pruning keeps them tidy and contained.
Tough and adaptable, privets resist drought, pollution, and pests, though they can suffer from fungal issues in wet climates. They’re often sheared into formal hedges, topiaries, or left natural for privacy, thriving with minimal care once established. Some species, like L. japonicum, are hardier than others.
While prized for versatility, certain privets—like L. sinense—are invasive in parts of the U.S., spreading aggressively via seeds. Native alternatives are gaining favor, but their ease and classic look keep privets popular in gardens worldwide, balancing beauty with practicality.
Privet Shrubs
Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
- Description: A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub native to Europe and North Africa, growing 6-15 feet tall.
- Features: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves and small, white, fragrant flowers in late spring or early summer, followed by black berries.
- Uses: Often used for hedges or topiary due to its dense growth and pruning tolerance.
- Notes: Can be invasive in some areas, like parts of the U.S., where its seeds spread via birds.
Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
- Description: An evergreen shrub from Japan and Korea, typically reaching 6-12 feet in height.
- Features: Glossy, dark green leaves with a leathery texture and clusters of white flowers that bloom in summer.
- Uses: Popular for formal hedges, screens, or as a standalone ornamental shrub.
- Notes: More resistant to pests than some other privets and thrives in warmer climates (USDA zones 7-10).
Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
- Description: A semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub native to China, growing 6-15 feet tall.
- Features: Smaller, lighter green leaves than Japanese privet, with abundant white flowers and black fruit.
- Uses: Commonly used for hedging or as a privacy screen.
- Notes: Highly invasive in the southeastern U.S., where it outcompetes native plants—use with caution.
California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)
- Description: A semi-evergreen shrub originating from Japan, often growing 10-15 feet tall.
- Features: Oval, medium-green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers in summer.
- Uses: A classic choice for tall hedges or windbreaks due to its rapid growth and dense foliage.
- Notes: Frequently planted in California (hence the name), though it can drop leaves in colder winters.
Amur Privet (Ligustrum amurense)
- Description: A deciduous shrub from northern China, typically 12-15 feet tall.
- Features: Narrow, pointed leaves and creamy white flowers that attract pollinators.
- Uses: Ideal for colder climates (USDA zones 3-7) and often used for hedging or erosion control.
- Notes: Hardy and adaptable, with good resistance to harsh winters.
Golden Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium ‘Aureum’)
- Description: A cultivar of California privet, growing 8-12 feet tall.
- Features: Striking yellow-edged leaves with green centers, adding a pop of color to landscapes.
- Uses: Planted for ornamental purposes, as a hedge, or as an accent shrub.
- Notes: Requires some sun for the best coloration but is still easy to maintain.
Vicary Golden Privet (Ligustrum x vicaryi)
- Description: A hybrid (likely between L. vulgare and L. ovalifolium), reaching 6-12 feet.
- Features: Bright golden-yellow foliage, especially vibrant in full sun, with white flowers in summer.
- Uses: Great for adding visual interest to gardens or as a low-maintenance hedge.
- Notes: Semi-evergreen in mild climates, deciduous in colder ones.
Waxleaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Texanum’)
- Description: A compact cultivar of Japanese privet, growing 6-10 feet tall.
- Features: Thick, waxy, dark green leaves and a naturally rounded shape.
- Uses: Often used for sculpted hedges, foundation plantings, or small privacy screens.
- Notes: Drought-tolerant once established and popular in southern U.S. landscapes.
European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare ‘Atrovirens’)
- Description: A cultivar of common privet, growing 6-12 feet tall, often semi-evergreen.
- Features: Darker green foliage than the species, with a denser habit and prolonged leaf retention into winter.
- Uses: Ideal for hedges in cooler climates where a more robust look is desired.
- Notes: Less prone to leaf drop than the standard L. vulgare, making it a favorite for formal gardens.
Korean Privet (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Koreanum’)
- Description: A variant of Japanese privet, typically 6-10 feet tall, evergreen in mild climates.
- Features: Smaller, more compact leaves with a slightly curled appearance and white summer flowers.
- Uses: Often used as a low hedge or border plant due to its neat growth habit.
- Notes: Adapts well to pruning and is popular in Asian-inspired garden designs.
Variegated Privet (Ligustrum sinense ‘Variegatum’)
- Description: A cultivar of Chinese privet, growing 6-10 feet tall, semi-evergreen.
- Features: Leaves with creamy white margins and green centers, offering a striking contrast.
- Uses: Planted for ornamental appeal in mixed shrub borders or as a standalone specimen.
- Notes: Less invasive than the species but still requires monitoring in warm climates.
Ibota Privet (Ligustrum ibota)
- Description: A deciduous shrub native to Japan and Korea, reaching 6-10 feet.
- Features: Narrow, elongated leaves and clusters of small white flowers followed by black berries.
- Uses: Used in naturalistic plantings or as a hedge in temperate regions.
- Notes: Less common in cultivation but valued for its graceful, arching branches.
Cheyenne Privet (Ligustrum vulgare ‘Cheyenne’)
- Description: A hardy cultivar of common privet, growing 8-12 feet tall, deciduous.
- Features: Medium-green foliage and a vigorous growth rate, with white flowers in early summer.
- Uses: Popular for windbreaks and tall hedges, especially in the U.S. Midwest.
- Notes: Bred for cold tolerance (USDA zones 4-7), making it a go-to for northern gardeners.
Regal Privet (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Regal’)
- Description: A cultivar of Japanese privet, typically 8-12 feet tall, evergreen.
- Features: Thick, glossy leaves with a slightly upright growth pattern.
- Uses: Often shaped into formal hedges or topiaries due to its dense foliage.
- Notes: Known for its rich green color and resistance to disease, a staple in southern landscapes.
Swift Creek Privet (Ligustrum sinense ‘Swift Creek’)
- Description: A dwarf cultivar of Chinese privet, growing 3-6 feet tall, semi-evergreen.
- Features: Small, variegated leaves with a mix of green and creamy yellow.
- Uses: Perfect for low hedges, container planting, or as a groundcover alternative.
- Notes: Less aggressive than its parent species, offering a more manageable option.
Roundleaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Rotundifolium’)
- Description: A slow-growing cultivar of Japanese privet, reaching 4-6 feet tall, evergreen.
- Features: Distinctive round, leathery leaves and a compact, bushy form.
- Uses: Used as an accent plant or in small-scale hedging for a unique texture.
- Notes: Slower growth makes it easier to maintain without frequent pruning.
Quihoui Privet (Ligustrum quihoui)
- Description: A lesser-known species from China, growing 6-12 feet tall, deciduous or semi-evergreen.
- Features: Small, narrow leaves and late-blooming white flowers in mid-to-late summer.
- Uses: Often planted for late-season interest or as a loose, informal hedge.
- Notes: Tolerates heat and drought well, though it’s less common in Western gardens.