May be invasive in some regions. Click to learn more →
Japanese Privet
Ligustrum japonicum
shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 5b – Zone 11a
A fast-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves and white fragrant flower panicles in late spring. Commonly used for hedges, screens, and topiary in warm climates.
Overview
Form
Rounded
Growth Rate
fast
Size
8–10′ tall × 6–10′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen
Tolerances & Soil
moderate
Zone 5bZone 11a
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 5b to Zone 11a
pH Range
5.56.9
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 5.5 to 6.9
Soil Texture
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Seasonality
Bloom Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Season of Interest
SpringSummer
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
early successional
Native Range
East Asia
Function & Care
wildlife benefithedgerowwindbreak
Coppicing
Establishment & Care
Establishment
easy
Maintenance
moderate
Propagation
seed, cutting
Notable Cultivars
Texanum (Waxleaf Privet) is the most popular cultivar, prized for its thicker, waxier, and more deeply lobed leaves compared to the species, offering improved ornamental appeal and slightly better cold tolerance.
