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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.

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Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

5 from 1 customers

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit. This versatile plant is widely used in NZ gardens for hedging, screening, and formal planting where year round structure and privacy are desired.

From $24.77

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
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (Golden Privet) yellow foliage.

Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum'

5 from 1 customers

Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (Golden Privet) is a bright evergreen shrub valued for its golden yellow and green variegated foliage. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, it provides year round colour and strong structure.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' tree with fine green foliage tinged with purple.
Acer 'Crimson Princess'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its deeply cut, cascading burgundy foliage that intensifies through the...

From$299.95
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$19.95
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Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg'

Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its deeply cut rich purple red foliage and distinctive curled leaf edges. The...

From$399.95
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Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim'

Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim' is a compact Japanese Maple prized for its dense upright habit, fresh green foliage, and brilliant coral red stems that...

From$399.95
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Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake'

Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its narrow strap like deep red foliage that creates a bold architectural effect...

From$349.95
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

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Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

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Acer 'Asahi Zuru' green and white variegated foliage.
Acer 'Asahi Zuru'

Acer 'Asahi Zuru' is a stunning Japanese Maple known for its delicate, variegated leaves that blend pink, white, and green tones. In autumn, the...

From$24.95
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree...

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Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a highly regarded Japanese maple famous for producing some of the most intense scarlet red autumn colour of any maple...

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Acer palmatum 'Scolopendrifolium'

Acer palmatum 'Scolopendrifolium' is an elegant Japanese Maple admired for its unusual long, narrow, strap like leaves that create a fine textured...

From$299.95
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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' is a graceful Japanese Maple prized for its finely dissected bright green foliage and elegant cascading form. The...

From$349.95
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Acer palmatum Ukon

Acer palmatum 'Ukon' is a distinctive Japanese Maple admired for its unusual lime green foliage that brings fresh colour to the garden. New leaves...

From$349.95
Acorus gramineus Ogon growing in water beside a rock.
Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' also called Japanese Sweet Flag is a graceful evergreen with striking gold and green blades that brighten damp and shaded...

From$16.95
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Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

From$299.95
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Acer 'Shindeshojo'

Acer 'Shindeshojo' is a spectacular Japanese Maple celebrated for its brilliant bright red foliage in early spring. The vivid colour gradually...

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Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Fireglow'

Acer 'Fireglow' is a striking Japanese maple prized for its brilliant deep red foliage that holds colour exceptionally well throughout the season...

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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is one of the most admired Japanese Maples, prized for its finely dissected deep red foliage and graceful...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Crippsii' green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Crippsii'

Acer palmatum 'Crippsii' is a refined Japanese maple valued for its deeply lobed foliage and elegant, compact growth habit. Its leaves emerge soft...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.
Acer 'Stella Rossa'

Acer 'Stella Rossa' is a striking Japanese Maple valued for its finely dissected deep red foliage and elegant cascading growth habit. The rich...

From$399.95
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Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', commonly known as the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a beautiful deciduous tree prized for its brilliant coral red branches...

From$199.95
Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.
Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$349.95
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki'

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' is a beautiful Japanese Maple admired for its delicately variegated foliage that emerges with soft pink, cream, and...

From$399.95
Acer 'Burgundy Lace' specimen tree with purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Burgundy Lace'

Acer palmatum 'Burgundy Lace' is a refined Japanese maple admired for its finely dissected deep burgundy foliage and graceful weeping form. This...

From$399.95
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Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a unique Japanese Maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and upright growth habit. Unlike many laceleaf maples...

From$299.95
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
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Acer 'Orangeola'

Acer 'Orangeola' is a stunning weeping Japanese Maple admired for its finely cut foliage that emerges bright orange red in spring. The leaves mature...

From$349.95
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Acer 'Emerald Lace'

Acer 'Emerald Lace' is a graceful laceleaf Japanese Maple admired for its finely divided soft green foliage and elegant cascading form. The delicate...

From$349.95
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Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the...

From$349.95
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Ligustrum, and Miscanthus, or related Categories - Grasses, Evergreen Shrubs, and Maple Tree.

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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:

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black', Betula platyphylla Japonica, and Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush) deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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