Japanese Privet
Ligustrum japonicum
Also listed as Ligustridium japonicum, Ligustrum amamianum
Also known as Wax-leaf Ligustrum, Japanese Wax-leaved Privet, Wax-leaf Privet
Climate Match for your location
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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.
Why grow it
Japanese privet is a dense, fast-growing evergreen useful where a formal hedge or screen is needed in warm climates. Compared to other privet species, it maintains foliage year-round and tolerates shearing well, though it grows more vigorously than some alternatives and may require frequent maintenance to keep in bounds.
Watch out for
This species grows quickly and can become leggy if not regularly pruned. It prefers full sun to part shade and well-draining soil; in poorly drained conditions, root issues may develop. Monitor for spider mites and scale insects, particularly in hot, dry climates.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Oleaceae
Native Range
East Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
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.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Privet grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese privet is a dense, fast-growing evergreen useful where a formal hedge or screen is needed in warm climates. Compared to other privet species, it maintains foliage year-round and tolerates shearing well, though it grows more vigorously than some alternatives and may require frequent maintenance to keep in bounds.
Watch out for
This species grows quickly and can become leggy if not regularly pruned. It prefers full sun to part shade and well-draining soil; in poorly drained conditions, root issues may develop. Monitor for spider mites and scale insects, particularly in hot, dry climates.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Oleaceae
Native Range
East Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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Companion Planting
Plants well with
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.