Also known as Broad-Leaved Privet · California Privet · Californian Privet
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Garden privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a dense, fast-growing evergreen shrub, popular for hedges and screens due to its tolerance of pruning and pollution.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Full sun promotes denser growth.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8. Tolerates a range of temperatures but may suffer in extreme cold.
Low
25% intensity
Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Established plants may need little to no feeding.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Leaves and berries are mildly toxic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water garden privet regularly, especially during dry spells and when young. Ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
Check soil moisture by feeling the top few inches; water when it feels dry to the touch.
Prune garden privet in late spring or early summer after flowering. This can be done hard to maintain shape or lightly to tidy. It responds well to severe pruning, making it ideal for hedges and topiary.
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches anytime.
Propagate garden privet from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Insert cuttings into a well-draining medium. Alternatively, sow seeds in autumn, though this is slower.
Cuttings generally root more readily and true to parent characteristics.
Repot young garden privet plants every two to three years in spring. Move to a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Established plants in the ground rarely need repotting.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Garden Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)
Where Garden Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Ligustrum |
| Species | Ligustrum ovalifolium |
Similar in genus Ligustrum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
