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Border Privet

Ligustrum obtusifolium

Also known as Amur River Privet

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 3a – Zone 8b

Climate Match for your location

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Border privet is a deciduous shrub prized for its dense, upright growth habit and small white flowers in late spring. It is commonly used for hedging and screening due to its fast growth rate and tolerance of pruning.

Why grow it

Border privet offers faster establishment than some competing hedge species and tolerates both heavy pruning and a range of soil conditions, making it practical for property screening where quick density is needed. However, gardeners should compare it with non-invasive alternatives in their region, as its vigor and ease of propagation present management trade-offs in many areas.

Watch out for

Like other privets, this species regenerates readily from cut wood and can resprout vigorously after pruning, requiring consistent maintenance to prevent it from expanding beyond intended boundaries. Birds readily distribute seed into surrounding areas, so siting near natural areas or managing seedlings promptly helps prevent unintended spread.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
4–8′ tall × 4–8′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Oleaceae
hedgerowbiomass/mulch

Native Range

Eastern Asia

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

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Companion Planting

Plants well with