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Privets (Ligustrum)
Plants of the genus Ligustrum, commonly known as privets, hail mainly from Asia, with a handful of species being native to Europe or North Africa. They are hardy shrubs or small trees that grow thickly and often retain their leaves year-round. For this reason, several species within the genus are very popular as hedge plants. Privets also tend to produce copious quantities of berries which, in turn, attract birds. While the plants are common ornamentals, their toughness and adaptability have also made them pesky invaders in some places, including parts of the U.S.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Key Facts About Privets
Feedback
Attributes of Privets
Flower Color
White
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Privets
Distribution of Privets
Feedback
Distribution Map of Privets
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Privets
Feedback
The privets genus, popularly known as privet, requires moderate care, thriving best in well-drained soil under full to partial sun. Watering needs are average, with more needed in hotter months. Adaptable to different temperatures, privets is particularly resistant to drought. Common issues include pests like aphids and scale bugs, as well as diseases like root rot. Biannually pruning in spring and autumn ensures healthy growth. Winter frost can cause damage, necessitating protection in colder climates. Accurate information should be referenced for specific species within the privets genus.
How to Water Privets?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Privets?
How to Propagate Privets?
How to Plant Privets?
Exploring the Privets Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Japanese privet
Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is an evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree with dark, glossy leaves and numerous clusters of white flowers. It blooms in late spring, and the unpleasant scent of the flowers is sometimes derided. Japanese privet is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.
Wild privet
Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is an ornamental shrub but considered an invasive species in some area. Many English hedgerows have been made using these plants, though they're now often replaced with a more evergreen species. The wild privet's decorative flowers produce an unpleasant smell. The fruits are poisonous to humans but readily eaten by birds, making it possible for the seeds to spread far and wide.
Chinese privet
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a deciduous shrub that has been highly respected by Chinese martial artists - It's tough, but flexible shoots were widely used for making spears and darts. Chinese privet is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant, for hedgerows, and as a bonsai tree.
Glossy privet
The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.
California privet
California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a native plant of Japan, not California, despite its common name. The california privet was brought to the United States in 1945 and is now considered an invasive species in California. The Latin name Ligustrum ovalifolium means "private," and this plant is often grown in hedgerows to provide privacy.
Border Privet
The border Privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium) is a deciduous shrub that is native to Korea, China, and Japan. It arrived in the United States in the 1800s, where it was first used as a hedge on residential properties. However, it soon escaped into the wild and is considered a nuisance invasive species in most areas outside its native range.
Waxyleaf privet
Waxyleaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui) is a semi-evergreen flowering shrub that is commonly grown in gardens. It natives to China and Korea and has been cultivated as an ornamental plant. But now, it becomes invasive in areas of the United States.
Ligustrum punctifolium
Ligustrum punctifolium is an evergreen shrub first discovered in 1929 in Hong Kong. This hardy shrub can grow throughout the year, which makes it a good hedge plant. It also tends to attract birds because of the large quantities of fleshy berries it produces.
All Species of Privets
Japanese privet
Japanese privet
Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is an evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree with dark, glossy leaves and numerous clusters of white flowers. It blooms in late spring, and the unpleasant scent of the flowers is sometimes derided. Japanese privet is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.
Wild privet
Wild privet
Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is an ornamental shrub but considered an invasive species in some area. Many English hedgerows have been made using these plants, though they're now often replaced with a more evergreen species. The wild privet's decorative flowers produce an unpleasant smell. The fruits are poisonous to humans but readily eaten by birds, making it possible for the seeds to spread far and wide.
Chinese privet
Chinese privet
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a deciduous shrub that has been highly respected by Chinese martial artists - It's tough, but flexible shoots were widely used for making spears and darts. Chinese privet is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant, for hedgerows, and as a bonsai tree.
Glossy privet
Glossy privet
The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.
California privet
California privet
California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a native plant of Japan, not California, despite its common name. The california privet was brought to the United States in 1945 and is now considered an invasive species in California. The Latin name Ligustrum ovalifolium means "private," and this plant is often grown in hedgerows to provide privacy.
Border Privet
Border Privet
The border Privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium) is a deciduous shrub that is native to Korea, China, and Japan. It arrived in the United States in the 1800s, where it was first used as a hedge on residential properties. However, it soon escaped into the wild and is considered a nuisance invasive species in most areas outside its native range.
Waxyleaf privet
Waxyleaf privet
Waxyleaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui) is a semi-evergreen flowering shrub that is commonly grown in gardens. It natives to China and Korea and has been cultivated as an ornamental plant. But now, it becomes invasive in areas of the United States.
Ligustrum punctifolium
Ligustrum punctifolium
Ligustrum punctifolium is an evergreen shrub first discovered in 1929 in Hong Kong. This hardy shrub can grow throughout the year, which makes it a good hedge plant. It also tends to attract birds because of the large quantities of fleshy berries it produces.
Ligustrum japonicum 'Silver Star'
Ligustrum japonicum 'Silver Star'
Plants of the genus Ligustrum japonicum 'Silver Star', commonly known as ligustrum japonicum 'Silver Star', hail mainly from Asia, with a handful of species being native to Europe or North Africa. They are hardy shrubs or small trees that grow thickly and often retain their leaves year-round. For this reason, several species within the genus are very popular as hedge plants. Ligustrum japonicum 'Silver Star' also tend to produce copious quantities of berries which, in turn, attract birds. While the plants are common ornamentals, their toughness and adaptability have also made them pesky invaders in some places, including parts of the U.S.
Howardi ligustrum
Howardi ligustrum
Plants of the genus Ligustrum japonicum 'Howardii', commonly known as howardi ligustrum, hail mainly from Asia, with a handful of species being native to Europe or North Africa. They are hardy shrubs or small trees that grow thickly and often retain their leaves year-round. For this reason, several species within the genus are very popular as hedge plants. Howardi ligustrum also tend to produce copious quantities of berries which, in turn, attract birds. While the plants are common ornamentals, their toughness and adaptability have also made them pesky invaders in some places, including parts of the U.S.
Golden privet
Golden privet
The golden privet is a sterile hybrid created for gardens. Because it can't set seed, it has the distinction of being the only Ligustrum species that is non-invasive, making it much less troublesome for gardeners.
Privet
Privet
Privet is a hardy shrub or small tree that grows thickly and often retains its foliage throughout the year. For this reason, privet is very popular as a hedge plant. It also tends to produce copious quantities of berries, which attract birds. While the plants are common ornamentals, their toughness and adaptability have also made them pesky invaders in some places, including parts of the U.S.
Japanese privet 'Rotundifolium'
Japanese privet 'Rotundifolium'
'Rotundifolium' is just a fancy Latin way of saying round-leafed and, of course, japanese privet 'Rotundifolium' has glossy round leaves that are much shorter and rounder than those of the parent plant. This dense-growing shrub is small at 1.5 m and is ideal as a border or hedging shrub.
Glossy privet 'Excelsum Superbum'
Glossy privet 'Excelsum Superbum'
This variegated cultivar won an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Created for its ornamental properties, the glossy privet 'Excelsum Superbum' is a shorter tree cultivated from the Glossy privet plant that can be trained to a particular shape or size with pruning and has glossy green leaves and white, fragrant blooms.
Variegated Privet
Variegated Privet
Cultivated from the green-leaved Ligustrum, variegated Privet is a popular ornamental garden plant in the southeastern United States. It is also a hedge plant in the south. Its bi-colored foliage makes the plant easy to identify, and it is also what sets it apart from other species in the genus.
Privets 'Golden Ticket'
Privets 'Golden Ticket'
Privets 'Golden Ticket' is a stunning ornamental plant with golden yellow leaves that stand out in any garden. Its dense foliage is perfect for hedges or topiaries. This plant is deer-resistant and attracts bees. The plant originated in Asia and spreads through bird-dispersed seeds.
Chinese privet
Chinese privet
Chinese privet, a dense evergreen shrub, boasts glossy, dark green leaves which cluster around its woody stems, providing a contrasting backdrop for its creamy white flower panicles that bloom in late spring. This hardy plant thrives in various conditions, favoring well-drained soils and tolerating both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for gardens.
California privet 'Aureum'
California privet 'Aureum'
California privet 'Aureum' originates from a green-leaved shrub and stands out because of the golden-fringed leaves for which it is named. Like most privets, it has a dense growth form that makes it an excellent choice of low-maintenance hedging for cottage and informal gardens. It can withstand exposed locations and has good drought resistance.
Variegated chinese privet
Variegated chinese privet
Variegated chinese privet is named and stands out for its two-colored green and white leaves. Its dense growth makes it ideal for screens and hedges. However, its flowers smell unpleasant, so it is best admired from a distance. Variegated chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense 'Variegatum') is perfect for city gardens since it is resistant to air pollution.
Sunshine privet
Sunshine privet
Sunshine privet, a lively evergreen shrub, is admired for its vibrant yellow foliage that brings year-round color to gardens. It flourishes under full sun to partial shade, with its dense, leafy growth forming an excellent privacy screen or hedge. Adaptable and hardy, sunshine privet can thrive in various soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils and exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established.
Chinese privet 'Fragrant Cloud'
Chinese privet 'Fragrant Cloud'
The chinese privet 'Fragrant Cloud' was created as a foliage plant from the Chinese privet parent. This cultivar was created for its sweet scent, and combined with its thick density, it is an attractive hedging option for a garden. This is also why it was given its name. Be aware: parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Privets
Ligustrum
Plants of the genus Ligustrum, commonly known as privets, hail mainly from Asia, with a handful of species being native to Europe or North Africa. They are hardy shrubs or small trees that grow thickly and often retain their leaves year-round. For this reason, several species within the genus are very popular as hedge plants. Privets also tend to produce copious quantities of berries which, in turn, attract birds. While the plants are common ornamentals, their toughness and adaptability have also made them pesky invaders in some places, including parts of the U.S.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Key Facts About Privets
Feedback
Attributes of Privets
Flower Color
White
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Privets
Distribution of Privets
Feedback
Distribution Map of Privets
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Privets
Feedback
The privets genus, popularly known as privet, requires moderate care, thriving best in well-drained soil under full to partial sun. Watering needs are average, with more needed in hotter months. Adaptable to different temperatures, privets is particularly resistant to drought. Common issues include pests like aphids and scale bugs, as well as diseases like root rot. Biannually pruning in spring and autumn ensures healthy growth. Winter frost can cause damage, necessitating protection in colder climates. Accurate information should be referenced for specific species within the privets genus.
How to Water Privets?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Privets?
How to Propagate Privets?
How to Plant Privets?
Exploring the Privets Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Japanese privet
Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is an evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree with dark, glossy leaves and numerous clusters of white flowers. It blooms in late spring, and the unpleasant scent of the flowers is sometimes derided. Japanese privet is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.
Wild privet
Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is an ornamental shrub but considered an invasive species in some area. Many English hedgerows have been made using these plants, though they're now often replaced with a more evergreen species. The wild privet's decorative flowers produce an unpleasant smell. The fruits are poisonous to humans but readily eaten by birds, making it possible for the seeds to spread far and wide.
Chinese privet
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a deciduous shrub that has been highly respected by Chinese martial artists - It's tough, but flexible shoots were widely used for making spears and darts. Chinese privet is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant, for hedgerows, and as a bonsai tree.
Glossy privet
The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.
Show More Species
All Species of Privets
Japanese privet
Wild privet
Chinese privet
Glossy privet
California privet
Border Privet
Waxyleaf privet
Ligustrum punctifolium
Ligustrum japonicum 'Silver Star'
Howardi ligustrum
Golden privet
Privet
Japanese privet 'Rotundifolium'
Glossy privet 'Excelsum Superbum'
Variegated Privet
Privets 'Golden Ticket'
Chinese privet
California privet 'Aureum'
Variegated chinese privet
Sunshine privet
Chinese privet 'Fragrant Cloud'
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
