Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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japanese privet

Japanese privet is a versatile, evergreen shrub valued in New Zealand gardens for its glossy foliage, dense growth habit, and ability to withstand shaping and clipping. Popular as both a stand-alone specimen and a hedge, Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is ideal for gardeners seeking an attractive, low-maintenance plant that delivers year-round colour and privacy. Its adaptability to various soil types and resistance to most pests make it a favourite for borders, screens, and formal topiary across the country.

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

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki is a stunning Japanese Maple due to its delicate foliage and small stature. Small and soft looking leaves emerge yellow-green in spring with reddish margins. They mature to a light green in summer before turning spectacular shades of yellow and orange in autumn before falling. It grows with a somewhat rounded shape to about 2.5 m tall and the same wide. Acer Hanami Nishiki makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for including in a mixed planting, planting to soften a bland wall, maintaining in a container or courtyard garden, planting to border an entrance, or for using anywhere the spectacular colours can be enjoyed.

Buy Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)

From $450.68

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 2.50 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

What is Japanese Privet?

Japanese privet refers primarily to Ligustrum japonicum, a species originating in Japan and now widely grown in New Zealand. Renowned for its oval, shiny leaves and upright form, this shrub can reach between 2–4 metres tall, depending on growing conditions and pruning. In late spring and summer, Japanese privet produces clusters of delicate white flowers followed by small black berries, which attract birds and provide added visual interest.

Uses for Japanese Privet in New Zealand Gardens

Japanese privet is most commonly used as a hedge, thanks to its rapid growth and dense branching. It forms an effective privacy screen, windbreak, or barrier when planted in rows and trimmed regularly. The tough, evergreen leaves handle coastal winds and urban pollution, making this plant suitable for a wide variety of locations. With its ability to thrive in sun or partial shade and tolerate moderate drought, Japanese privet is also favoured for foundation plantings and as a backdrop to highlight other garden features.

Japanese Privet Care and Maintenance

For best results, plant Japanese privet in well-draining soil and water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Pruning is straightforward: trim new growth annually to maintain the desired shape, whether you prefer formal hedges or loose, natural screens. The shrub is hardy and rarely troubled by disease or insects. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, while an annual feed with a balanced fertiliser promotes lush foliage.

Related Privet Varieties

There are many Ligustrum species cultivated in New Zealand, each with its own unique characteristics. Explore our range of privets to find the perfect match for your garden needs:

For a compact, rounded leaf form and tight growth habit, try Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum).
Looking for a smaller, box-leaf option? Ligustrum undulatum (Box Leaf Privet) is ideal for low hedges and formal borders.
For a stately, tree-like privet with glossy foliage, consider Ligustrum lucidum (Tree Privet).
If you prefer the classic hedge look, Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) offers traditional styling.
Those interested in a delicate-leaf alternative might enjoy Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet).

Choosing Japanese Privet for Your Landscape

Japanese privet is a reliable choice for New Zealand gardens, providing beauty, privacy, and structure with minimal fuss. Its resilience, attractive foliage, and suitability for both modern and classic planting schemes make it a staple among garden designers and homeowners alike. If you’re searching for Japanese privet or related Ligustrum species, browse our nursery’s selection to find the perfect plant for your outdoor space.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.