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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.

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.

From $41.33

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
prunus-laurocerasus-3

Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) is a vigorous evergreen shrub admired for its lush glossy foliage and excellent screening qualities. This hardy plant produces dense green leaves year round, creating an attractive backdrop for gardens and landscapes throughout New Zealand.

From $24.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
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$28.95
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$202.44
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$24.77
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (Golden Privet) yellow foliage.
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum'

Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (Golden Privet) is a bright evergreen shrub valued for its golden yellow and green variegated foliage. Well suited to...

From$24.77
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$136.04
Laurus nobilis foliage and flowers.
Laurus nobilis

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Sweet Bay Tree or Bay Laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree prized for its aromatic leaves and classic form. It...

From$34.43
Jasminum polyanthum (Pink Jasmine) bordering steps to a house.
Jasminum polyanthum (Pink Jasmine)

Jasminum polyanthum, commonly known as Pink Jasmine, is a climber that produces masses of beautiful, pink and white, highly scented flowers through...

OUT OF STOCK
ligustrum-vulgare--2
Ligustrum vulgare

Ligustrum vulgare (Privet) is a hardy deciduous to semi evergreen shrub valued for its dense branching, lush green foliage, and versatility in the...

OUT OF STOCK
A Laurus nobilis 'Tuscan Tower' topiary standard tree.
Laurus Tuscan Tower

Laurus 'Tuscan Tower' is an evergreen tree that features lush and glossy, dark green leaves, which are aromatic and somewhat leathery in appearance...

OUT OF STOCK
kalmia-pristine-
Kalmia latifolia 'Pristine' (Mountain Laurel)

Kalmia latifolia 'Pristine' is an elegant evergreen mountain laurel selected for its abundant pure white flowers that contrast beautifully against...

OUT OF STOCK
Laurus 'Miles Choice' trees with green foliage.
Laurus nobilis Miles Choice

Laurus nobilis 'Miles Choice' is a variety of Laurel selected for its compact growth habit and drought tolerance. This evergreen tree features lush...

OUT OF STOCK
Corynocarpus laevigatus variegata tree with cream and yellow variegated foliage.
Corynocarpus laevigatus variegata (Variegated New Zealand Laurel)

Corynocarpus laevigatus variegata is a striking variegated form of the New Zealand karaka, prized for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy...

OUT OF STOCK
ligustrum-undulatum-
Ligustrum undulatum

Ligustrum undulatum (Box Leaf Privet) is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth, small glossy green leaves, and tidy rounded form. It...

OUT OF STOCK
Lonicera pileata shrub with small, green foliage.
Lonicera pileata

Lonicera pileata (Privet Honeysuckle) is a hardy, low growing evergreen shrub valued for its neat form and glossy foliage. It forms a dense...

OUT OF STOCK
Laurus nobilis 'Bay Gold' trees with yellow foliage.
Laurus Bay Gold

Laurus 'Bay Gold' is a variety of Laurel selected for its compact growth habit and colourful foliage. This evergreen tree features lush, glossy, and...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
ligustrum-sinense-
Ligustrum sinense

Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet) is a fast growing shrub or small tree with dense green foliage, fragrant white flowers, and dark berries. It was...

OUT OF STOCK
ligustrum-lucidum-
Ligustrum lucidum

Ligustrum lucidum (Tree Privet) is an evergreen tree with glossy green leaves, clusters of small creamy flowers, and dark berries. Although it was...

OUT OF STOCK
aucuba-golden-king-
Aucuba japonica 'Golden King' (Spotted Laurel)

Aucuba japonica 'Golden King' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its large glossy leaves splashed with bright golden yellow markings. The...

OUT OF STOCK
aucuba-mr-goldstrike-
Aucuba 'Mr Goldstrike' (Spotted Laurel)

Aucuba 'Mr Goldstrike' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green leaves heavily speckled with bright golden yellow markings. The bold...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne odora green foliage and pink flowers.
Daphne odora (Winter Daphne)

Daphne odora (Fragrant Daphne) is a highly prized evergreen shrub known for its intensely fragrant pink and white flowers that appear in winter and...

OUT OF STOCK
Ficus microcarpa (Chinese Banyan) tree growing as a specimen.
Ficus microcarpa (Chinese Banyan)

Ficus microcarpa, commonly known as Chinese Banyan, is a fast-growing, evergreen tree valued for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, spreading...

OUT OF STOCK
Laurus nobilis Pride of Provence

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Jasminum, Laurus, and Ligustrum, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

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.

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.
From trusted favourites like Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' to fresh faces like Corokia cotoneaster, Michelia 'Allure', and Pieris japonica 'Purity' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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