shrub

Waxleaf Privet

Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Japan, Korea (species)

Toxicity

Berries and leaves are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Ligustrum japonicum is a fast-growing, dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to Japan and Korea. It is widely used in landscaping for its durability and adaptability to a wide range of conditions. 'Texanum' is a popular cultivar known for its more compact, slower growth habit and thick, waxy, dark green leaves. It is an excellent choice for formal hedges and topiary as it takes shearing very well.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a lush, deep green, evergreen backdrop or formal structure in the landscape. Its dense foliage creates a solid visual mass, and the fragrant white flowers add a sensory element in spring.

It is one of the most popular and effective plants for creating dense privacy hedges and screens due to its fast growth and tolerance of heavy shearing. It's also useful for noise abatement along busy streets.

The fragrant flowers are a rich source of nectar for bees and butterflies. The black berries that follow are eaten by birds, although they are toxic to humans and pets.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun to part shade with any well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base to conserve water and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Shear hedges so they are slightly wider at the base than the top to ensure sunlight reaches the lower branches, preventing legginess.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first year to establish a strong root system.
Prune regularly to maintain the desired shape and density.
Provide good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.
Tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay.

Don't

Don't plant in soggy, poorly drained locations.
Avoid letting it grow untrimmed, as it can become a large, open shrub.
Be aware of its potential to reseed in some climates.
Don't ingest any part of the plant; berries and leaves are toxic.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable and dense formal privacy hedgeEvergreen foundation planting for year-round coverEasily shaped topiary specimen for formal gardens

Companion Plants

Lagerstroemia indica Abelia x grandiflora Nandina domestica Agapanthus africanus Hemerocallis hybrids

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Waxleaf Privet questions

What zones can Waxleaf Privet grow in?

Waxleaf Privet is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Waxleaf Privet deer resistant?

Yes — Waxleaf Privet is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Waxleaf Privet bloom?

Waxleaf Privet typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Waxleaf Privet need full sun?

Waxleaf Privet does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Waxleaf Privet drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Waxleaf Privet handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.