California Privet Hedge - Ligustrum ovalifolium

California Privet Hedge (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is native to Japan and in its natural environment it can be found growing in forest understories, thickets, slopes and hillsides. While it is deciduous, it can be evergreen or semievergreen in warm winter areas.

The leaves are a dark glossy green and ovate in shape with a yellowish underside. It has a dense and erect growth habit and with its shiny foliage, it is particularly eye-catching when struck by the sun.

Plant Details - California Privet Hedge

Family: Oleaceae

Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 10 - 15 ft

Spread: 4 - 8 ft

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Flower Color: White

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and butterflies, birds may eat the small black berries in fall

Panicles of flowers will bloom in late spring and once pollinated, black berries develop and persisted throughout the autumn. While the flowers are not particularly showy and are often described as having an unpleasant odor, they are attractive to pollinators and the subsequent berries are enjoyed by many species of birds.

The California Privet Hedge is primarily used as a hedge to create a privacy screen and makes an attractive border for walkways or along the driveway. However, it can be used as a specimen or foundation plant for its vivid green foliage and ease of shaping.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - California Privet Hedge

This shrub thrives on neglect, is easy to grow, and is very tolerant to a wide variety of soil and sun light conditions, but prefers loamy, moderately moist soils. It normally has no serious pest / disease issues.

If planting as a hedge, make sure to plant seedlings about 12 to 15 in apart to create enough space for expansion. This plant is quite fast growing and is recommended to prune 1 to 2 times per year, with one pruning occurring directly after flowering. It will naturalize easily and if let to grow on hindered will develop dense thickets.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Easy to grow, attractive to pollinators and birds, easy to shape

Use this easy to shape shrub as a hedge to create a glossy and dense privacy screen for your garden sanctuary. Shop for California Privet Hedge shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

California Privet thrives in well-drained soil with regular watering, especially in dry periods. Annual pruning maintains its shape and removes dead or damaged branches. Mulching retains moisture and deters weed growth. Fertilize in the spring for optimal growth.

Plant Reproduction

California Privet spreads via seeds, suckers, and vegetative growth

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.

Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.

Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.

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