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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.

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'

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
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
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$192.51
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$30.29
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Coprosma 'Plum Hussey'

Coprosma 'Plum Hussey' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich plum purple foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful New...

From$17.95
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$16.49
Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi' shrubs with light green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi'

Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi' is a compact New Zealand native evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and naturally tidy...

From$23.39
Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea shrub in a garden with purple and green foliage.
Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' is a striking New Zealand native shrub admired for its rich purple toned foliage and bold architectural form. This...

From$387.55
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Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen shrub renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. The...

From$22.01
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Pittosporum 'Jade'

Pittosporum 'Jade' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive green foliage, and versatility in the landscape. This...

From$22.01
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Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The...

From$11.95
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Coprosma 'Scarlett O'Hara'

Coprosma 'Scarlett O’Hara' is a vibrant evergreen shrub admired for its striking red toned foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful...

From$17.95
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Corokia 'Pipsqueak'

Corokia 'Pipsqueak' is a compact evergreen New Zealand shrub prized for its dense branching, small grey green foliage, and naturally tidy growth. Its...

From$17.95
A Pittosporum 'Little Gem' (Dwarf Pittosporum) plant with fresh green foliage in a garden.
Pittosporum 'Little Gem'

Pittosporum 'Little Gem' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive green foliage, and naturally rounded form. This...

From$20.01
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
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Leptospermum 'Crimson Glory'

Leptospermum 'Crimson Glory' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its masses of deep crimson red flowers and fine foliage. Flowering in spring...

From$27.53
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...

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Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger'

Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger' is a striking New Zealand native shrub valued for its distinctive golden green foliage and strong architectural form. The...

From$270.40
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...

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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...

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Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

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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...

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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$16.49
Corokia Silver Ghost plant with silver foliage.
Corokia 'Silver Ghost'

Corokia 'Silver Ghost' is a striking evergreen New Zealand shrub admired for its fine silver grey foliage, distinctive branching, and naturally...

From$13.95
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$11.95
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$313.00
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$16.50
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...

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Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

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Pittosporum 'Frankies Folly' shrub with lush green foliage growing in a garden.
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...

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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$13.73
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Coprosma, and Juncus, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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.


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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.

We love Stromanthe Triostar and Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Buddleia 'Royal Red', Orange 'Valencia', and Michelia 'Velvet and Cream'.
–The Plant Company

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