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privet shrub

The privet shrub is one of New Zealand’s favourite choices for quick-growing, versatile hedging and screening. With its dense foliage, adaptability, and strong growth habit, the privet shrub has become a classic for both formal and informal gardens. Whether you need a lush boundary, a low-maintenance privacy screen, or simply a sturdy ornamental shrub for your landscape, privets are a reliable option. This page will take you through the essentials of privet shrubs, the different varieties available, and how to select the best one for your garden.

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

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.

From $21.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (Golden Privet) yellow foliage.

Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum'

5 from 1 customers

Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (Golden Privet) is a bright evergreen shrub valued for its golden yellow and green variegated foliage. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, it provides year round colour and strong structure.

From $21.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.75 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
pittosporum-tenuifolium-variegata-4
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
elaeagnus-submacrophylla-3
Elaeagnus submacrophylla

Elaeagnus submacrophylla is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its dense growth, glossy foliage, and strong year round structure. The leaves have an...

From$532.39
leucospermum-scarlet-ribbons-
Leucospermum 'Scarlet Ribbons'

Leucospermum 'Scarlet Ribbons' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant pincushion style flowers and bold architectural foliage. The...

From$39.95
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Pieris japonica 'Purity'

Pieris japonica 'Purity' is an elegant evergreen shrub renowned for its masses of pure white bell shaped flowers that create a spectacular display in...

From$26.95
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Leptospermum 'Kea'

Leptospermum 'Kea' is a colourful manuka shrub admired for its vibrant flowers and fine evergreen foliage. This attractive New Zealand plant produces...

From$27.53
Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) shrub covered in elegant, red flowers.
Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Scented Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is a classic Australian shrub widely loved in New Zealand for its brilliant crimson red flower spikes and...

From$27.53
pittosporum-jade-3
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
Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous' with beautiful purple foliage growing out across a deck.
Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous'

Loropetalum 'Plum Gorgeous' is a colourful evergreen shrub prized for its rich plum purple foliage and masses of vibrant pink fringe flowers from...

From$28.91
Brachyglottis 'Otari Cloud' shrub with lush, grey-green foliage.
Brachyglottis 'Otari Cloud'

Brachyglottis 'Otari Cloud' is a hardy evergreen shrub valued for its attractive silver grey foliage and naturally compact growth habit. The soft...

From$24.77
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Leptospermum 'Blossom Queen'

Leptospermum 'Blossom Queen' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its masses of colourful flowers and fine textured foliage. This attractive tea...

From$27.53
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Rhododendron 'Mt Everest'

Rhododendron 'Mt Everest' is a magnificent evergreen shrub admired for its impressive flowering display and lush dark green foliage. During spring...

From$64.79
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$20.95
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
Leptospermum 'Wiri Joan' double red flowers with dark green foliage.
Leptospermum 'Wiri Joan'

Leptospermum 'Wiri Joan' is a compact evergreen shrub celebrated for its striking deep red flowers that cover the plant from spring through summer...

From$27.53
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$17.95
genista-yellow-imp-3
Genista 'Yellow Imp'

Genista 'Yellow Imp' (Yellow Broom) is a bright and cheerful evergreen shrub admired for its masses of vivid yellow flowers that cover the plant in...

From$27.53
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' plants with yellow stems.
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea', commonly known as the Yellow Stem Dogwood, is a shrub that features bright yellow stems which become more pronounced...

From$279.95
escallonia-iveyi--1
Escallonia 'Iveyi'

Escallonia 'Iveyi' is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its masses of pure white flowers, glossy foliage, and vigorous growth habit. Flowering...

From$16.95
viburnum-tinus-variegatum--1
Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum'

Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its cream and green variegated foliage that provides year round colour and...

From$27.53
chaenomeles-double-take-orange-
Chaenomeles 'Double Take Orange'

Chaenomeles 'Double Take Orange' is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its spectacular display of large, double orange flowers. The vibrant blooms...

From$27.53
Nandina Lemon And Lime plant in a garden with lush foliage.
Nandina 'Lemon and Lime'

The 'Lemon and Lime' Nandina is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant lime-green foliage that adds year-round colour to New Zealand...

From$22.95
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$17.95
leptospermum-pageant-
Leptospermum 'Pageant'

Leptospermum 'Pageant' is a spectacular flowering shrub admired for its masses of vibrant double pink blooms that smother the plant through spring...

From$30.29
weigela-wine-and-roses-2
Weigela 'Wine and Roses'

Weigela 'Wine and Roses' is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its rich burgundy purple foliage and masses of vibrant rosy pink trumpet shaped...

From$25.53
Rhododendron 'Black Magic' stunning, dark red flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Rhododendron 'Black Magic'

Rhododendron 'Black Magic' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its rich, dramatic flowers and glossy dark green foliage. During spring, the...

From$28.91
hebe-diosmifolia-3
Hebe diosmifolia

Hebe diosmifolia is a graceful evergreen shrub admired for its fine bright green foliage and masses of small white flowers that cover the plant...

From$22.01
viburnum-davidii-male-3
Viburnum davidii (male)

Viburnum davidii (male) (Male) is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its distinctive leathery foliage with deeply impressed veins and naturally...

From$27.53
viburnum-burkwoodii-
Viburnum burkwoodii

Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum) is a beautiful semi evergreen shrub renowned for its highly fragrant white flowers that appear in spring and...

From$202.44
Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$11.95
chaenomeles-orange-storm-
Chaenomeles 'Orange Storm'

Chaenomeles 'Orange Storm' is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its spectacular display of large, double orange flowers. The blooms appear in...

From$27.53
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, Elaeagnus, and Leptospermum, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs.

Search privet shrub

Why Choose a Privet Shrub?

Privet shrubs are loved for their rapid growth rate and their ability to form thick, leafy barriers in a short period. They tolerate a wide range of soils, handle coastal conditions well, and respond beautifully to regular trimming. The oval leaves remain green through the year, creating welcoming, vibrant outdoor spaces even in the colder months. Privet shrubs are especially popular for creating formal hedges, topiary features, or even windbreaks.

Top Privet Shrub Varieties

Not all privets are created equal—several species suit New Zealand gardens perfectly, each with unique leaf shapes, colours, and cold tolerance.

Planting and Care Tips for Privet Shrub

To get the best from your privet shrub, choose a sunny to partly shaded spot with free-draining soil. Prepare the hole deeply, and water regularly for the first season while the roots establish. Trim your privet regularly to promote thick, even growth and to maintain the desired shape. Applying mulch around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Uses for Privet Shrubs in New Zealand Gardens

Privet shrubs adapt well to many garden styles. They are ideal for boundary hedging, creating secluded nooks, shelterbelts, or as a background for flowering plants. Their resilience to pruning makes them a top pick for formal shapes and architectural garden designs.

Whether you prefer the timeless look of Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet) or the decorative flair of Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum', privet shrubs provide an unbeatable blend of utility, structure, and year-round beauty for Kiwi gardens. Explore the full range and discover which privet shrub is right for your landscape.

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.
Celebrate your favourites like Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa, then branch out with Quercus coccinea, Magnolia 'Genie', and Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood).
–The Plant Company

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