Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

ligustrum ovalifolium hedge

A ligustrum ovalifolium hedge is a classic choice for New Zealand gardens, prized for its robust growth, dense foliage, and year-round privacy. Known as the green privet, Ligustrum ovalifolium thrives in a range of conditions, making it ideal for urban boundaries, rural shelterbelts, or formal garden designs. Whether you’re looking for a quick, effective screen or a crisp, ornamental hedge, this resilient shrub offers versatility and low-maintenance beauty.

Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.

Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

5 from 4 customers

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary. It features small, glossy green leaves and a dense, slow-growing habit, typically reaching 1–2 metres in height.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Paths & Steps, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4

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.

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
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$44.95
Michelia 'Inspiration' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia 'Inspiration'

Michelia 'Inspiration' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers that bloom from late winter...

From$34.43
Gardenia Frost Proof shrub with white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Frostproof'

Gardenia 'Frostproof' is a hardy, evergreen shrub renowned for its fragrant white flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Reaching around 90–120 cm...

From$18.95
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum ‘Marjorie Channon’ is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

From$22.01
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$99.95
westringia-aussie-box-
Westringia 'Aussie Box'

Westringia 'Aussie Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense bright green foliage, naturally rounded habit, and small white flowers that...

From$18.95
Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a...

A fabuous Michelia gracipes pleached hedge with lush green foliage and masses of cream-white flowers.
Michelia gracipes

Michelia gracipes, commonly known as the Banana Shrub, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage and highly fragrant, creamy-yellow...

From$65.55
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
A Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) plant with pink blushed flowers and dark green foliage.
Michelia figo

Michelia figo, commonly known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is a compact evergreen tree prized for its delightfully fragrant, cream-white flowers and...

From$34.43
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' small, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is a NZ native shrub with small, olive-green leaves held densely on narrow, black stems. This evergreen typically grows to...

From$22.01
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.
Ficus Tuffi

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

From$8.95
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Ilex 'Largo'

Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$136.04
Griselinia littoralis plant with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia littoralis

Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as Kapuka, is a popular New Zealand native shrub valued for its lush, glossy green foliage and dense, upright...

From$12.95
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$18.95
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
Choisya ternata with lush foliage and white flowers.
Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a lush, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant...

From$24.77
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$22.01
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.
Corokia 'Little Prince'

Corokia 'Little Prince' is a small and twiggy, NZ native shrub that features small, grey-brown leaves and black stems. The slim, intertwined stems...

From$17.95
feijoa-pounamu-
Feijoa 'Pounamu'

Feijoa 'Pounamu' is an early-season variety that produces medium-sized fruit with a thin, smooth skin. The flesh is sweet and juicy and has a tangy...

From$35.81
corokia-pounamu-
Corokia Pounamu

Corokia Pounamu is a NZ native shrub featuring narrow, olive-green foliage. New foliage has a layer of felt on the underside of the leaves which...

From$17.95
grevillea-clearview-david-
Grevillea 'Clearview David'

Grevillea 'Clearview David' is a vigorous evergreen shrub known for its attractive foliage and masses of soft coloured flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$99.95
A large Escallonia 'Apple Blossom' shrub in a garden with soft-pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Escallonia 'Apple Blossom'

Escallonia 'Apple Blossom' is a charming evergreen shrub prized for its masses of soft pink flowers that resemble the delicate colours of apple...

From$16.95
Griselinia 'Gecko Green' plants growing as a hedge.
Griselinia 'Gecko Green'

Griselinia' Gecko Green' is an evergreen shrub with thick, glossy foliage that is deep green and held densely. It typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m...

From$18.95
Corokia 'Geenty's Green' hedge.
Corokia 'Geenty's Green'

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears narrow, olive-green leaves that have a silver underside. Masses of small, star-like...

From$17.95
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby' red and green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby' is a superb hedge forming honeysuckle valued for its deep green foliage and profusion of rich ruby toned flowers. This...

From$16.95
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' hedge.
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia Ardmore Emerald is a lush, NZ-native shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically reaches 3-4...

From$18.95
Corokia 'Sunsplash' shrub with yellow foliage in a garden.
Corokia 'Sunsplash'

Corokia 'Sunsplash' is a NZ native shrub grown for its impressive foliage. It features small leaves that are variegated yellow with a central splash...

From$17.95
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Gardenia, and Griselinia, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search ligustrum ovalifolium hedge

Why Choose Ligustrum Ovalifolium for Hedges?

Ligustrum ovalifolium hedge plants are well-suited to New Zealand’s temperate climate. They grow swiftly—one of the fastest hedge options available—and tolerate wind, pollution, and variable soils. With semi-evergreen leaves, hedges remain lush and vibrant most of the year. Their upright habit and ability to withstand regular trimming allow gardeners to shape hedges from tight, formal lines to relaxed, natural screens. When planted closely, Ligustrum ovalifolium quickly forms a dense barrier, providing privacy from neighbours and reducing traffic noise.

Planting and Caring for Ligustrum Ovalifolium Hedge

To establish a healthy ligustrum ovalifolium hedge, plant young shrubs 30–50cm apart. Choose a sunny to partly shaded location with well-drained soil. Prepare the ground by loosening soil and adding compost for improved moisture retention and root establishment. Water new plantings regularly during their first season, especially through dry spells. Once settled, Ligustrum ovalifolium is drought-tolerant and thrives on minimal care.

Annual trimming is recommended to keep your hedge compact and encourage new growth. Most gardeners shape their ligustrum ovalifolium hedge in late summer or early autumn. For a formal look, shear evenly; for a softer, wildlife-friendly edge, trim selectively and allow some flowers and berries to develop.

Ligustrum Varieties and Related Plant Choices

While Ligustrum ovalifolium is the most popular hedge, there are compelling alternatives and companions for diversifying your garden with privet species. If you prefer a splash of colour, Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' offers striking yellow-green foliage and makes a cheerful statement in mixed hedges. For smaller gardens or clipped specimens, Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum) features rounded leaves and a compact habit, perfect for modern spaces.

Those seeking native-style hedge plants should consider Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) or Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet), each with its own distinctive leaf shape and flowering pattern. For gardeners interested in unique privet selections, Ligustrum 'Lemon Lime and Clippers' brings fresh colour tones and is favoured for low-maintenance clipped shapes.

Creating Beautiful Hedge Borders

A ligustrum ovalifolium hedge is more than just a boundary—it’s a living asset. It can serve as a windbreak, wildlife habitat, or the backbone of garden design. Pair your Ligustrum ovalifolium hedge with flowering perennials and ornamental grasses for year-round interest. Regular feeding in spring and autumn helps maintain vibrant leaf colour and supports dense growth.

Explore our full range of ligustrum varieties and discover which hedge is best for your landscape, whether you need fast privacy, colourful foliage, or easy-care elegance. Ligustrum ovalifolium hedge plants are an investment in lasting beauty and functionality for NZ gardens.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

463 Google reviews