- 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 - 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.
California Privet Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 10 - 15 Feet |
Mature Spread: 7 - 9 Feet |
Spacing: 7 - 9 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: June and July |
Foliage Type: Semi-Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Hedges & Privacy, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: California Privet |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: LIGUSTRUM OVALIFOLIUM |
- SKU:
- 1000682-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.