Ligustrum obtusifolium var. regelianum 'Regelianum'

shrub

Regel Privet

Ligustrum obtusifolium var. regelianum 'Regelianum'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ligustrum obtusifolium, native to East Asia, is a highly adaptable deciduous shrub known for its resilience in challenging urban soils and varied light conditions. The species produces small, tubular white flowers with a heavy, sweet fragrance in late spring, followed by dark blue-black berries that persist into winter.

'Regelianum' is distinguished by its dense, horizontally layered branching pattern that creates a distinctive tiered, architectural silhouette. The glossy dark green leaves are arranged in a single flat plane along the branches and turn deep reddish-purple in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Distinctive horizontal, tiered branching habit and deep reddish-purple fall foliage.

Highly adaptable to urban pollution, poor soils, and moderate drought once established.

Provides dense nesting cover and winter food for songbirds, which eat the persistent dark berries.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59"

Width

83"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Dry to medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a site with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, avoiding low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Prune immediately after the late-spring flowering period to shape the shrub and encourage dense branching.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pro Tip

Avoid uniform shearing with hedge trimmers, which destroys the signature horizontal, tiered branching habit; instead, selectively thin individual branches to maintain the natural architectural form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune immediately after flowering to preserve the natural horizontal habit.
Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Use selective thinning cuts rather than shearing.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged, or wet soils.
Do not shear the shrub into a formal geometric shape if you want to preserve its tiered structure.
Do not ingest the berries or foliage, which cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimen PlantFoundation PlantingMass Planting

Companion Plants

Viburnum prunifolium Chionanthus virginicus Calamagrostis acutiflora Syringa vulgaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Regel Privet questions

What zones can Regel Privet grow in?

Regel Privet is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Regel Privet deer resistant?

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

When does Regel Privet bloom?

Regel 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 Regel Privet need full sun?

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

Is Regel Privet drought tolerant?

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