California Privet

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10 - 15 Feet

Mature Spread

7-9 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Ligustrum ovalifolium, commonly called California Privet, is a fast-growing semi-evergreen shrub that makes a fine choice for a hedge. In early spring, the shrub is adorned with small white flowers. The flowers mature to shiny black fruits that feed songbirds. Due to its dense form and easy nature, this California Privet has often been used for privacy hedges in the Hamptons and other coastal areas.

This is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrub with dense branching. It has a compact and vertical form, reaching 10 – 15 feet tall and 7 – 9 feet wide. It is native to Japan and South Korea. The fragrant flowers attract butterflies and bees, and are lovely in cut flower arrangements. It tolerates drought, heat, wind and salt spray. It can be trimmed into practically any shape you can imagine, making it well suited for a formal hedge, windblock, or privacy screen. 

California Privet Care

This shrub prefers full exposure to sun. It performs best in fertile, sandy loam soil, but will tolerate poor soil and clay. Your California privet will appreciate consistent moisture and should be watered regularly during the growing season. Once established, it will develop drought tolerance. Mulch new plants with high quality compost to conserve moisture and improve the soil.

Prune your privet in spring or immediately after flowering to keep this shrub looking tidy. Trim them so they are thinner at the top and broader at the bottom, ensuring the bottom branches receive sufficient sun exposure. 

California Privet Spacing

To plant a dense hedge, space these shrubs approximately 6 feet apart, center on center. Eventually, the branches will begin to overlap and create a tight screen. Increase the spacing to 9 feet apart if a gap between shrubs is desired.