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Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet)

Japanese Privet, Wax Leaf Privet

Ligustrum japonicum, Japanese, Berries, Shrubs with berries
Ligustrum japonicum, Japanese, Berries, Shrubs with berries
Ligustrum japonicum Rotundifolium, Japanese Privet 'Rotundifolium', Wax Leaf Privet 'Rotundifolium', Berries, Shrubs with berries

Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet) is a fast-growing, dense, evergreen shrub with glossy, roundish-oval, dark green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), distinctively paler beneath, and upright panicles of small, creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. The fragrant blossoms are considered by many to have an unpleasant aroma. They give way to small, glossy berries which ripen in fall and persist throughout winter. Compact and easy to grow, Japanese Privet is a popular and versatile shrub in warm winter areas where it is often trained into topiary specimens, hedges or screens. It also makes an attractive small standard tree.

  • Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall (180-360 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm). This plant will naturalize by self-seeding in optimum growing conditions.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Japanese Privet is not fussy about soils provided they are not soggy or wet. Good drainage is essential. Drought and pollution tolerant.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, leaf-mining moths, thrips and leaf spot.
  • Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings.
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
  • Native to Japan, Korea.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Ligustrum
Common names Japanese Privet, Privet, Wax Leaf Privet
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 12'
(180cm - 3.7m)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 72" - 96"
(180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ligustrum japonicum ‘Variegatum’ (Japanese Privet)
Ligustrum sinense ‘Sunshine’ (Chinese Privet)
Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet)
Ligustrum japonicum ‘Rotundifolium’ (Japanese Privet)
Ligustrum x vicaryi Golden Ticket® (Vicary Privet)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet)
Native Plant Alternatives to Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Heat Zones 7 - 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Ligustrum
Common names Japanese Privet, Privet, Wax Leaf Privet
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 12'
(180cm - 3.7m)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 72" - 96"
(180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Ligustrum (Privet)
Not sure which Ligustrum (Privet) to pick?
Compare Now

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