Ligustrum ovalifolium aka Garden Privet

Ligustrum ovalifolium is a shrub in the olive family. Garden privet and California privet are two common names. Despite the latter name, it comes from Japan. PFAF also lists South Korea within its range. It grows in coastal thickets in central and southern Japan. Its upright, bushy form suits hedges and screens. Garden plants reach about 13–26 feet (4–8 m) tall. Their spread reaches about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 m). The RHS describes a height near 13 feet (4 m).

The oval leaves are green and glossy. They reach about 0.2 feet (0.06 m) long. The RHS describes the shrub as evergreen or partly evergreen. Missouri Botanical Garden lists it as deciduous. Small white flowers form dense, pointed clusters in summer. These clusters reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 m) long. Missouri Botanical Garden gives June to July as flowering time. The blooms have a scent and attract butterflies. Round, glossy black fruits follow in autumn. Both flowers and fruits add interest to shrub borders.

Grow this privet in sun or partial shade. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Soil should drain well, though it may stay moist. Missouri Botanical Garden lists dry to moderately moist conditions. It also reports that the shrub tolerates drought. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H4. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 5–8. The RHS lists ten to twenty years to reach maturity.

Gardeners use it for formal and loose hedges. It also works as a screen or border shrub. PFAF reports that it withstands coastal exposure and hard trimming. Growth can be slow on exposed sites. There, a hedge may need nine to ten years to reach 10 feet (3 m). The RHS calls the plant vigorous under garden conditions. Hedge trimming two or three times during growth reduces flowering. Stop trimming in late summer to limit frost damage. Seeds and hardwood or partly hardened cuttings offer propagation routes.

Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. Possible troubles include leaf spots, mildew, cankers, and root rots. The RHS also lists honey fungus as a risk. Aphids, leaf miners, and thrips may attack the plant. PFAF flags weed potential but gives no level of severity. It records no edible or medicinal uses. The RHS warns that eating it harms people and dogs. Wear gloves and protective gear when handling it.