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privet laurel

If you're searching for information about privet laurel, you've likely got your eye on a versatile hedging superstar beloved by New Zealand gardeners. Renowned for its dense, glossy foliage and reliable growth, privet laurel is a common choice for both formal and informal hedges, windbreaks, and natural privacy screens. Its ability to thrive in a range of conditions makes it an excellent fit for Kiwi gardens, whether you're cultivating a small urban courtyard or shielding a rural property from prevailing winds.

ligustrum-rotundifolium-4

Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum)

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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
Laurus 'Pride Of Provence' young trees at The Plant Company nursery.

Laurus nobilis Pride of Provence

Laurus nobilis 'Pride of Provence' is a variety of Laurel selected for its compact growth habit. This evergreen tree features lush, glossy, dark green leaves, which are aromatic and somewhat leathery in appearance. Flowers produced in spring are pale yellow-green and result in small and glossy, black berries as it grows to 2 m tall and the same width. Laurus nobilis 'Pride of Provence' is an excellent plant for trimming into a hedge, using as a screening plant, planting as a backdrop for smaller plants, maintaining in a container, or growing as a specimen. The leaves on this variety are the well-known Bay Leaves, and can be used fresh or dry in cooking to add flavour to dishes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Culinary, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, White
Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) standard trees bordering a driveway.

Prunus lusitanica

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese Laurel, is a large shrub that is widely grown across the world. It features dark red stems that...

From$29.63
A Laurus nobilis 'Angustifolia' small specimen tree in a garden.

Laurus nobilis angustifolia

Laurus nobilis angustifolia is a variety of Laurel grown for its compact growth habit and elegant foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, dark...

From$477.11
Pittosporum tobira green foliage and elegant white flowers.

Pittosporum tobira (Australian Laurel)

Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese Pittosporum or mock orange, is a versatile, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and...

From$21.53
prunus-laurocerasus-3

Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree renowned for its dense, glossy dark green leaves and fragrant...

From$24.23
Quercus laurina specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Quercus laurina

Quercus laurina is a magnificent evergreen oak native to Central America, admired for its stately form and year round greenery. Its glossy, lance...

From$141.61
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.

Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis is a much-loved shrub in NZ gardens. It is most commonly grown as a specimen, used as a hedge (both trimmed and untrimmed), added to a...

From$33.68
Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Laurus, Ligustrum, Pittosporum Prunus and Quercus, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search privet laurel

What Is Privet Laurel?

Privet laurel is a term often used to describe several different evergreen shrubs prized for their lush green leaves and robust, upright growth. In New Zealand, it's commonly associated with members of the Ligustrum genus, including Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) and Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum). While not a true laurel, privet laurel’s hardy nature and adaptability make it a staple in landscape design. With careful pruning, these plants can form neat, crisp lines for a formal look or be left a little wild for a more relaxed, natural effect.

Planting and Caring for Privet Laurel

Privet laurel thrives in sunny to partly shaded positions and tolerates a wide range of soil types, provided there is reasonable drainage. It's relatively drought-tolerant once established but appreciates regular watering during dry periods, especially in the first couple of growing seasons. Feeding with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring encourages lush growth.

For a dense, healthy hedge, space your privet laurel plants about 60-90 centimetres apart. Regular pruning in late summer and early autumn will keep your hedges in tip-top shape, while more substantial trims may be needed if you want to drastically reduce size or rejuvenate overgrown specimens.

Uses for Privet Laurel in Your Garden

The versatility of privet laurel in the New Zealand garden is hard to beat. Whether you’re after a living fence for privacy, a windbreak, or simply a lush evergreen backdrop for your garden beds, privet laurel delivers. It pairs well with flowering climbers like Jasminum polyanthum (Pink Jasmine) for a splash of seasonal colour, or with aromatic evergreens like Laurus nobilis Pride of Provence to enhance sensory appeal.

Considering Alternatives

For those who want to explore options beyond privet laurel, it's worth noting relatives like Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) and Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum) both offer similar hedging benefits, each with their own unique foliage characteristics. Or, if you're keen to add a North American twist to your garden, the showy Kalmia Pristine (Mountain Laurel) is a fantastic choice for a flowering evergreen shrub.

Create the Garden You Love

Privet laurel continues to be a favourite for those seeking resilience, versatility, and year-round greenery. Whether you’re shaping hedges or building layered plantings, its adaptability ensures it will thrive in a wide range of New Zealand gardens. For more great ideas, consider combining privet laurel with striking architectural shrubs or scented climbers, and know that you’re choosing a classic foundation for beautiful landscapes.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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