Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet) is a fast-growing, dense, evergreen shrub with glossy, roundish-oval, dark green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), distinctively paler beneath, and upright panicles of small, creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. The fragrant blossoms are considered by many to have an unpleasant aroma. They give way to small, glossy berries which ripen in fall and persist throughout winter. Compact and easy to grow, Japanese Privet is a popular and versatile shrub in warm winter areas where it is often trained into topiary specimens, hedges or screens. It also makes an attractive small standard tree.

• Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall (180-360 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm). This plant will naturalize by self-seeding in optimum growing conditions.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Japanese Privet is not fussy about soils provided they are not soggy or wet. Good drainage is essential. Drought and pollution tolerant.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, leaf-mining moths, thrips and leaf spot.
• Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
• Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings.
• All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
• Native to Japan, Korea.