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Ligustrum ovalifolium (garden privet)

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering the Ligustrum ovalifolium, commonly known as garden privet or California privet, originating from the lush landscapes of Japan. This species is celebrated for its oval, rich green leaves and the clusters of creamy white flowers it produces, which add a touch of elegance to any garden. A versatile and robust plant, the garden privet is ideal for creating dense hedges that can serve as graceful green partitions throughout the seasons, bringing both privacy and beauty to your outdoor spaces.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
25-35cm a year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £8.05

50+ £7.65

100+ £7.45

200+ £7.25

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
40-60

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £2.40

750+ £2.25

1,000+ £2.20

1,250+ £2.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
40-60

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £8.55

50+ £8.10

100+ £7.90

200+ £7.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £3.25

500+ £3.10

750+ £3.00

1,000+ £2.95

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £10.45

50+ £9.95

100+ £9.70

200+ £9.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
4

2+ £3.50

250+ £3.30

500+ £3.25

750+ £3.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
6

2+ £17.65

50+ £16.75

100+ £16.30

200+ £15.90

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
3

15.90

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £5.40

100+ £5.10

250+ £5.00

500+ £4.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £23.75

25+ £22.60

50+ £22.00

100+ £21.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
2,5

21.40

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £7.25

50+ £6.90

100+ £6.70

250+ £6.50

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
4

2+ £35.10

25+ £33.35

50+ £32.45

100+ £31.60

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
2

31.60

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £48.75

25+ £46.30

50+ £45.10

100+ £43.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
2

43.85

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Ligustrum ovalifolium (garden privet)

The Ligustrum ovalifolium, commonly known as garden privet or California privet, is a robust and versatile plant, frequently utilized to create lush, green hedges in both residential and commercial landscapes. Native to Japan, this species is valued for its dense foliage and its ability to thrive under a variety of environmental conditions.

Key Features

Several distinguishing characteristics make Ligustrum ovalifolium a preferred choice for gardeners and landscapers:

This plant's ability to thrive in all soil types, provided they are well-drained, ensures it is adaptable to many garden settings.
With a moderate growth rate of 25-35 cm per year, it is a manageable hedge plant that maintains its shape with minimal effort.
The visual density of the Ligustrum ovalifolium is moderately obscuring, offering a balance between privacy and openness.
Its semi-evergreen foliage transitions through shades of green throughout the seasons, with white flowers blooming in May and June, followed by attractive black fruit in autumn.
The winter hardiness of this species is notable, surviving temperatures as low as -15.0°C to -17.8°C (USDA zone 7a).
Pruning once a year is often sufficient to maintain its desired form and encourage healthy growth.

Tips

To ensure the health and vigor of Ligustrum ovalifolium, prune immediately after flowering to promote the development of new shoots, which will bloom the following year.
Although drought-resistant, regular watering during prolonged dry periods will keep the plant looking its best.
Propagate the garden privet using hardwood cuttings in the autumn or winter to expand your hedge or create new planting areas.
When planting Ligustrum ovalifolium, consider its location carefully, as it can tolerate full sun to shade, making it extremely versatile for garden design.

Ideal placement of a Ligustrum

Ligustrum ovalifolium displays a high degree of adaptability, flourishing in locations ranging from full sun to shade. This versatile nature allows it to be planted in various garden aspects, ensuring successful growth across a spectrum of light conditions. The plant's optimal development, however, is observed in well-drained soil, irrespective of the soil type. It is crucial to ensure that the soil facilitates proper drainage to maintain the health and vigor of the hedge. Its resilience is further demonstrated by its ability to withstand temperatures as low as -15.0°C, suitable for USDA zone 7a climates.

Planting a Ligustrum

Ligustrum ovalifolium thrives in a variety of well-drained soils and can be accommodated in full sun, partial shade, or even shaded areas. To plant, prepare a trench deep and wide enough to accommodate the root ball, ensuring ample space for root expansion. The plant's versatility and moderate growth rate of 25-35 cm per year make it ideal for hedges or as a solitary feature. After planting, water the hedge thoroughly to settle the soil around the root ball and support initial growth. With its moderate visual density, the hedge will begin to provide privacy and structure to the garden almost immediately.

Pruning a Ligustrum

Pruning of Ligustrum ovalifolium is typically minimal, reflecting its natural growth habit. To maintain a neat hedge appearance, trim once annually, ideally after the flowering period in late June or early July. This timing allows the plant to set flower buds for the following year on new growth. Annual pruning will also encourage the development of dense foliage from the base, enhancing the hedge's visual density. Avoid heavy pruning as this species blooms on the previous year's growth and responds best to light shaping.

Watering a Ligustrum

Ligustrum ovalifolium thrives with consistent moisture, particularly during its formative years to establish a robust root system. Once established, it can tolerate occasional dry spells, but it is not drought-resistant and benefits from additional watering during prolonged periods of dry weather. To maintain optimal health and growth, water the hedge deeply and infrequently, encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil. During winter, the plant's water needs decrease, but it is still important to ensure the root ball does not completely dry out, especially in areas within USDA zone 7a, where it can withstand temperatures down to -15°C.

Fertilising a Ligustrum

Ensuring that the oval leaf privet receives adequate nutrition is key to promoting its lush, green foliage and robust growth. It is advisable to fertilize this species twice a year, in early spring and mid-summer, to coincide with its active growth phases. An all-purpose, granular fertilizer works well, providing a slow release of nutrients into the soil. When applying fertilizer, distribute it evenly at the base of the hedge, taking care not to concentrate the granules too close to the stems. After fertilizing, watering the area can help to dissolve the granules and encourage nutrient uptake. Regular fertilization will support the plant's moderate growth rate of 25-35 cm per year and contribute to its visual density, ensuring an attractive hedge throughout the seasons.

The characteristics of a Ligustrum

Ligustrum ovalifolium is particularly amenable to shaping, making it an excellent choice for topiary enthusiasts. Its dense foliage can be sculpted into various forms, creating a structured aesthetic in any garden space. This species also serves as a robust privacy screen throughout the growing season, thanks to its abundant leaves. When allowed to bloom, the creamy-white flowers offer a subtle fragrance, enhancing the sensory appeal of your outdoor haven.

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