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

new zealand privet

New Zealand privet is a popular choice for hedging and ornamental planting throughout the country, thanks to its attractive foliage, fast growth, and ability to thrive in a range of climates. While “new zealand privet” commonly refers to several Ligustrum species found in local gardens and parks, it’s important to understand the differences between these varieties and how to select the right plant for your landscape. Privet hedges are well-known for their dense, evergreen form, making them an appealing option for privacy screens, boundary plantings, or simply adding structure and greenery to your garden.

Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.

Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

5 from 2 customers

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping growth habit. This evergreen perennial forms dense mats that provide year round colour and weed suppression. It is perfect for adding texture and contrast to pathways, borders, and eco-friendly landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4

Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum)

5 from 1 customers

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.

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
A small Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' shrub with lush, bright green foliage.

Pseudopanax Cyril Watson

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, recognised for its lush, glossy green foliage with 3 to 5 rounded, partially...

From$299.92
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.

Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of...

From$18.83
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' hedge.

Podocarpus Matapouri Blue (Blue Tōtara)

Podocarpus ‘Matapouri Blue’, also known as Blue Totara, is a stunning New Zealand native tree prized for its striking blue-green foliage and tidy...

From$432.79
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.

Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.13
Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu) lush green foliage.

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as Kohuhu or Black Matipo, is a fast-growing, evergreen native tree ideal for hedging, screening, and shelter...

From$229.04
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.

Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$28.28
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$16.13
Sea Spurge plants with elegant blue foliage for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Euphorbia glauca (Shore Spurge)

Euphorbia glauca, commonly known as Sea Spurge, is a striking New Zealand native prized for its blue-green foliage and resilience in coastal...

From$24.23
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.

Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$18.83
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$21.53
A Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava) plant with small green leaves and red berries.

Myrtus ugni (Chilean Guava)

Myrtus ugni, commonly known as the NZ Cranberry or Chilean Guava, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lush foliage, pretty flowers, and colourful...

From$14.78
Coprosma repens 'Middlemore' high-quality plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Coprosma 'Middlemore'

Coprosma 'Middlemore' is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its dense bright green foliage and compact rounded growth habit. Well suited to...

From$21.53
hebe-first-light-2

Hebe 'First Light'

Hebe 'First Light' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its colourful variegated foliage and vibrant flower spikes. The combination of green...

From$21.53
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.

Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.23
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.

Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$25.58
The best new lawn fertiliser in NZ.

New Lawn Fertiliser

Establishing a new lawn requires the proper nutrients to ensure robust root development and healthy growth. Our New Lawn Fertiliser, featuring...

From$5.00
Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.

Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

From$20.18
hebe-diosmifolia-mauve-1

Hebe diosmifolia 'Mauve'

Hebe diosmifolia 'Mauve' is a compact New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and soft mauve flower spikes. Flowering through summer, it...

From$21.53
Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' bushy plants in pots.

Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen'

Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub admired for its delicate, silvery-green foliage and airy appearance. Ideal for hedging...

From$229.04
Coprosma acerosa 'Taiko' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Coprosma 'Taiko'

Coprosma 'Taiko' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate to deep burgundy foliage and naturally rounded form. This hardy selection...

From$17.48
Cordyline 'Jade Fountain' plant.

Cordyline Jade Fountain

Cordyline 'Jade Fountain' is a graceful evergreen plant admired for its arching jade green foliage and elegant fountain like form. The soft flowing...

From$141.61
cordyline-lime-fountain-3

Cordyline Lime Fountain

Cordyline 'Lime Foutain' is a fresh and vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bright lime green foliage and graceful fountain like form. The...

From$29.63
Cordyline australis 'Red Star' plants with fabulous dark red-purple foliage.

Cordyline Red Star

Cordyline 'Red Star' is a popular evergreen plant renowned for its striking, deep red, sword-like leaves, which add a strong architectural form to...

From$21.53
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' plants with elegant white flowers bordering a path.

Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium ‘Te Puna’ is a compact New Zealand native perennial valued for its tidy clumping habit, slender green foliage, and masses of starry...

From$15.53
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.

Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$97.13
Hebe Flame with pink flowers and lush foliage.

Hebe 'Flame'

Hebe 'Flame' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant foliage tones and colourful flower spikes. The rich hues add year round interest...

From$21.53
pittosporum-frankies-folly-

Pittosporum Frankies Folly

Pittosporum 'Frankies Folly' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its naturally rounded form and dense foliage. This hardy New Zealand native...

From$25.58
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$21.53
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.51
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Agathis, Arthropodium, Beilschmiedia, Coprosma, Cordyline, Dianella, Dysoxylum, Euphorbia, Griselinia, Hebe, Hoheria, Juncus, Leptospermum, Ligustrum, Myrtus, Pittosporum, Plagianthus, Podocarpus Pseudopanax and Typha, or related Categories - Fertiliser, Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search new zealand privet

Understanding New Zealand Privet Varieties

The term “new zealand privet” can apply to multiple species within the Ligustrum family. These shrubs and small trees are renowned for their resilience, lush foliage, and adaptability. In New Zealand, gardeners often choose Ligustrum species for their ability to form thick, low-maintenance hedges and boundaries.

One prominent species is Ligustrum lucidum (Tree Privet), a tall, fast-growing tree with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers. It’s a favourite for shelterbelts and larger privacy hedges. For smaller spaces and compact hedges, Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet) fits beautifully with its bushy growth and tolerance for clipping. Those seeking a more ornamental look might opt for Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum), which offers rounded, waxy leaves perfect for formal hedging.

Benefits and Uses of New Zealand Privet

New Zealand privet varieties are prized for their vigorous growth and the ease with which they can be shaped. A privet hedge provides year-round foliage, wind protection, and privacy, making it a practical addition to both urban and rural properties. With their ability to withstand regular pruning, privets are ideal for both traditional and modern garden designs.

They are also valued in larger gardens and landscapes for their ability to act as shelterbelts, protecting other plants from harsh winds and creating microclimates. Species such as Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) are often used for classic, clipped hedges, while Ligustrum undulatum (Box Leaf Privet) is sought after for its compact, boxy growth and ease of maintenance.

Choosing and Growing Privet in New Zealand

When selecting a privet for your New Zealand garden, consider factors such as mature height, leaf colour, growth rate, and local climate. Regular pruning is essential to maintain a dense, tidy hedge, and privets generally appreciate sunny to partially shaded conditions and well-drained soil.

Privet varieties such as Ligustrum lucidum (Tree Privet), Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet), and Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum) are all excellent choices for New Zealand landscapes, offering a mix of beauty and practicality for home gardens. Browse our selection to find the right new zealand privet for your garden and enjoy the many benefits this robust, versatile plant offers.


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.

4.9

429 Google reviews