Ligustrum japonicum

Common Names

Japanese Privet, Privet, Wax-Leaf Privet

Summary

Japanese privet is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Japan and Korea, growing densely upright to 6–12 ft tall and 6–8 ft wide and often multi-trunked. It features dark glossy leaves 1.5–4 inches long and creamy white, fragrant flowers arranged in panicles, followed by small blue-black berries; the flowers are often malodorous.

Prefers sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, and tolerates a wide range of soils while being drought-tolerant once established. Pruning yields hedge or screen forms, and it is used for borders, screens, or ornamental plantings; propagation is by seed or cuttings, and the plant can naturalize or self-seed in ideal conditions, with invasive potential in some regions. Hardiness zones 7–10; plant parts may cause discomfort if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 feet

Spread

6-8 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil; adaptable to chalk, clay, loam, and sand; avoid permanently wet conditions; pH 5.5–7.8

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.1-7.8, Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Root sprouts

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, butterflies, other pollinators