shrub

Japanese Privet

Name: Japanese Privet
Brand: Ligustrum
Availability: InStock

Ligustrum japonicum

$26.29

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Japan, Korea

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

A fast-growing, large evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves. It is an extremely tough and adaptable plant, widely used for tall privacy screens and hedges in warmer climates. The species is valued for its rapid growth rate and ability to be pruned into a small, multi-trunked tree, often called a 'privet tree' or 'wax-leaf ligustrum tree', a popular form in southern landscapes.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Japanese Privet provides a lush, evergreen presence in the landscape with its glossy, deep green leaves. When trained as a small tree, its multi-trunked form and rounded canopy create an attractive architectural element.

Its fast growth rate and dense foliage make it one of the most popular choices for creating tall, instant privacy screens and hedges. It is also extremely tolerant of urban pollution, heat, and drought, making it a reliable utility shrub.

The fragrant white flowers attract a wide range of pollinators. The small, black berries that follow are consumed by birds, which unfortunately contributes to its spread into unintended areas where it can be invasive.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-drained soil; sun or shade is acceptable.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the plant's container.
Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water deeply.
Apply mulch to conserve water and prevent weeds.
Water regularly for the first year until the plant is established.

Pro Tip

To train into a tree form, select 3-5 main trunks and remove all lower branches up to the desired canopy height.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune frequently to maintain a dense hedge.
Provide deep, infrequent watering once established.
Utilize its tolerance for difficult growing conditions like heat and drought.
Check local regulations, as it is considered invasive in some areas.

Don't

Do not plant in areas with poor drainage.
Avoid planting where its berries can spread into natural areas.
Do not allow it to overgrow its space, as it can become unmanageable.
Do not ingest any part of the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fast-growing privacy screen or tall hedgeSmall evergreen specimen treeTolerant utility shrub for difficult sites

Companion Plants

Viburnum awabuki Cleyera japonica Pittosporum tobira Trachelospermum jasminoides Liriope muscari

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Privet questions

What zones can Japanese Privet grow in?

Japanese 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 Japanese Privet deer resistant?

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

When does Japanese Privet bloom?

Japanese 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 Japanese Privet need full sun?

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

Is Japanese Privet drought tolerant?

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