Ligustrum Ovalifolium - Oval Leaved Privet

Ligustrum ovalifolium, commonly known as Oval Leaved Privet, is one of the most widely planted urban hedging shrubs. Fast-growing and extremely dense in habit, it quickly forms a thick, impenetrable screen that provides excellent privacy and shelter. Evergreen in all but the coldest winters, it retains its glossy green foliage for most of the year, making it a dependable choice for both residential and commercial landscaping.

Privet thrives in most soil types, provided they are not waterlogged, and is tolerant of wind, shade, and urban pollution. Its oval, mid to dark green leaves are carried densely along the stems, creating a neat and uniform hedge when regularly clipped. In July, tubular creamy-white flowers appear in upright panicles, releasing a sweet, musky scent. These are followed by clusters of glossy black berries, which are poisonous to humans but much enjoyed by birds.

When allowed to grow more freely, Privet provides nectar for insects and berries for birds. However, closely clipped hedges rarely flower or fruit. Its reliability, fast establishment, and adaptability make it one of the most practical hedging plants available.

This is the size and type we sell: Ligustrum ovalifolium Oval Leaved Privet 40–60cm 0+2, professionally grown for dense screening and formal hedging projects.

Features & Benefits

Fast-growing, dense evergreen hedging shrub

Excellent privacy and screening plant

Tolerant of shade, wind, and urban pollution

Glossy oval leaves provide year-round structure

Produces scented white flowers if left unclipped

Black berries provide food for birds

Ideal for urban and residential hedging

Applications

Formal garden hedges

Urban and commercial boundary screening

Privacy hedging

Wildlife-supporting hedges (when lightly trimmed)

Council and landscaping schemes

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 4m height x 4m spread

After 20 years: 4m height x 4m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions and regular maintenance.

Botanical Name | Ligustrum ovalifolium

Common Name | Oval Leaved Privet

Plant Type | Semi-evergreen shrub

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 4m

Mature Spread | Up to 4m

Soil Type | Any soil except waterlogged sites

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 40–60cm 0+2

Maintenance | Trim every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Wildlife Value | Flowers attract insects; berries feed birds (if not heavily clipped)