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evergreen privet

Searching for the ideal hedge plant that stays lush and green all year? Evergreen privet is the answer for New Zealand gardens craving structure, privacy, and easy care. Renowned for its dense foliage and tolerance to pruning, evergreen privet is a popular choice for both formal hedges and informal screens. Thanks to its hardy nature, it thrives in a range of conditions and delivers outstanding performance from small suburban gardens to large landscaping projects. On this page, you'll find advice on evergreen privet varieties, their uses, and how to create a thriving, attractive hedge that will add value to your property.

Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum)

Ligustrum japonicum Rotundifolium, commonly known as Japanese Privet, grows as a small, compact, rounded bush and carries glossy, dark green leaves which have a unique curl. Clusters of cream-coloured flowers are borne in summer and are a lovely feature as it grows to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Ligustrum Rotundifolium is often clipped into hedge, added to a mixed planting, maintained in a container, or used to provide architectural interest.

Buy Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum)

From $24.23

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Topiary

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

Podocarpus henkelii, commonly known as Henkels Yellowwood, features dense and lush, dark green foliage which is held in a pendulous manner. This evergreen grows with a tall and rounded habit to about 12 m tall and 6 m wide. Podocarpus henkelii makes for a lovely specimen in a NZ garden and is also well suited to being used for screening and shelter, planting to soften a bland wall, or being included in a mixed planting.

Buy Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood)

From $299.92

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 12.00 m

Spread: 6.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean, Modern

Why Choose Evergreen Privet for Your Garden?

Evergreen privet stands out for its ability to maintain vibrant green leaves throughout the year, so you can enjoy a beautiful, full garden even in winter. Its fast growth rate means you don't have to wait long to establish a hedge or shelter belt. With its adaptability to sun, partial shade, and even challenging soil types, evergreen privet is suitable for many locations. Not only does it provide privacy and wind protection, but its dense growth also offers shelter to wildlife.

For those after a tidy, classic look, evergreen privet is easy to shape and maintain. Regular trimming encourages bushy growth and allows you to form neat lines, geometric shapes, or softer, natural hedges. Some varieties also produce delicately scented flowers in spring and summer, adding another level of appeal to your garden.

Types of Evergreen Privet in New Zealand

Several Ligustrum species are grown as evergreen privets in New Zealand, each with unique foliage and growth habits.

Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) is a traditional favourite, offering glossy, narrow green leaves and excellent performance in hedging.
Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum) features rounded leaves and a compact form, perfect for tight spaces or highly ornamental hedges.
Ligustrum undulatum (Box Leaf Privet) mimics the look of classic box, providing fine-textured foliage that's great for formal borders.
Ligustrum lucidum (Tree Privet) grows into a small tree, ideal for larger screens and shelter belts, with striking glossy leaves.
Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet) offers graceful arching branches and a soft texture for informal hedges and screens.

Each evergreen privet species offers distinct benefits, making it easy to find the perfect match for your landscape needs.

Planting and Caring for Evergreen Privet

Establishing an evergreen privet hedge requires little more than well-prepared soil and regular watering for new plants. Privet tolerates most sites, but thrives in fertile, free-draining soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and resistant to many garden pests. To create a dense hedge, plant privets about 40–60 centimetres apart. Prune lightly after planting to encourage bushy growth and shape the hedge as desired.

Routine maintenance consists of trimming a couple of times a year, which keeps your hedge neat and helps prevent flowering or seeding if that's not desired. Mulching and occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser will encourage lush, healthy foliage for that classic evergreen privet look.