Ligustrum ovalifolium, commonly known as California Privet, is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub often used for hedging and screening due to its dense growth and adaptability. Reaching 10 to 15 feet tall and wide, it responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a formal hedge or left to grow naturally. Clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers bloom in early summer, followed by black berries in fall. Despite its widespread use, California Privet is non-native and may be invasive in some regions, offering limited benefit to local wildlife.

Why choose California Privet:

• Fast-growing hedge: Quickly creates privacy and structure in the landscape

• Adaptable: Tolerates a wide range of soils, pruning, and urban conditions

• Low-maintenance: Responds well to regular trimming and shaping

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Grows in full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Adaptable to most soil types; prefers well-drained conditions

• Maintenance: Prune regularly to maintain size and shape

Designs for your garden:

• Formal hedges: Easily shaped for clean lines and classic garden structure

• Privacy screens: Fast growth makes it ideal for creating secluded spaces

• Urban plantings: Tolerates pollution and compacted soils

Ecological considerations:

• Non-native species: Provides little food or habitat for native insects and birds

• Potentially invasive: Can escape cultivation in certain regions

• Use with caution: Best replaced with native alternatives to support biodiversity

Looking for native alternatives?

Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’ – Shamrock Inkberry: A dense, broadleaf native evergreen perfect for low hedges and privacy plantings in moist or part-shade areas.
Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’ – Compact Inkberry: A compact native evergreen with glossy foliage, great for shaping into natural borders and screens.
Ilex opaca – American Holly: A tall native evergreen tree with spiny leaves and red berries that support birds and add year-round structure.