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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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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'

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.

Buy Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

From $24.77

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

Pieris 'Temple Bells'

Pieris 'Temple Bells' is a graceful evergreen shrub admired for its cascading clusters of bell shaped white flowers and attractive glossy foliage. Flowering in spring, this elegant variety provides a stunning display that brightens shaded garden areas and woodland settings.

Buy Pieris 'Temple Bells'

From $26.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.20 m

Spread: 1.20 m

Flowering time: Spring, Winter

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

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.

Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet): The classic hedge with slender, dark green leaves. It’s fast-growing, resilient, and thrives in a range of environments, making it ideal for robust privacy screens and windbreaks.
Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum): Valued for its rounded, glossy foliage and compact growth habit. This variety is perfect for small hedges or formal topiaries in urban gardens.
Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet): Features smaller, dainty leaves and a bushy form. Best for lower hedges or wildlife-friendly planting, as it offers shelter and food to birds.
Ligustrum undulatum (Box Leaf Privet): Known for its boxwood-like appearance, this variety is commonly used in traditional borders or clipped shapes.
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum': A striking privet shrub with golden-yellow variegated leaves, adding colour and light to shaded corners or as a vibrant feature hedge.

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.

privet shrub

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Pieris 'Temple Bells'

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose a Privet Shrub?

Top Privet Shrub Varieties

Planting and Care Tips for Privet Shrub

Uses for Privet Shrubs in New Zealand Gardens

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

privet shrub

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Pieris 'Temple Bells'

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose a Privet Shrub?

Top Privet Shrub Varieties

Planting and Care Tips for Privet Shrub

Uses for Privet Shrubs in New Zealand Gardens

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

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