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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-4

Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum)

5 from 1 customers

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
pieris-pink-delight-

Pieris Pink Delight (Lily Of The Valley Shrub Pieris japonica)

5 from 2 customers

Pieris Pink Delight is an attractive shrub grown for both its foliage and flowers. This compact, rounded shrub produces pink buds that open into pink, urn shaped flowers during spring. The flowers are complemented with glossy foliage that emerges bronze and matures to become lush and dark green as it grows to 75 cm tall and the same wide. Pieris Pink Delight makes for a superb specimen in a small garden or courtyard and is well suited to being maintained in a container, adding to mixed and border plantings, including in formal and cottage gardens, or for planting around outdoor living areas.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
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Tecomaria capensis

Tecomaria capensis, commonly known as Cape Honeysuckle, this is a quick growing shrub renowned for its pretty flowers and foliage. Showy, orange...

From$29.63
azalea-autumn-lily-2

Azalea Autumn Lily (Autumn Lily Azalea)

Azalea Autumn Lily is grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of fragrant, large and showy...

From$29.63
Rhaphiolepis umbellata hedge with elegant white flowers.

Rhaphiolepis umbellata (Sextons Bride)

Rhaphiolepis umbellata is a durable evergreen shrub ideal for NZ gardens, offering glossy foliage and delicate pink flowers. It performs well in...

From$33.68
elaeagnus-submacrophylla-3

Elaeagnus submacrophylla

Elaeagnus Submacrophylla is a robust, fast-growing evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage and tolerance to coastal conditions. Perfect for...

From$432.79
leptospermum-merinda-

Leptospermum 'Merinda'

Leptospermum 'Merinda' is a beautiful flowering manuka shrub valued for its masses of colourful blooms and fine evergreen foliage. This attractive...

From$26.93
elaeagnus-ebbingei-4

Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry)

Elaeagnus Ebbingei is a tough, fast-growing evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand gardens for its dense, silver-green foliage and coastal tolerance...

From$28.28
rhododendron-mount-everest-

Rhododendron Mt Everest

Rhododendron ‘Mt Everest’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its vibrant pink flowers and...

From$36.38
Rhododendron 'Cunninghams White' shrub with white flowers.

Rhododendron Cunninghams White

Rhododendron ‘Cunninghams White’ is a compact shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a neat, rounded growth habit. Known for its pure white flowers...

From$28.28
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$26.93
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
Rhododendron 'Haloed Gold' yellow flowers tinged with orange above lush, dark green foliage.

Rhododendron Vireya 'Haloed Gold'

Vireya Rhododendron ‘Haloed Gold’ is an eye catching evergreen shrub valued for its golden yellow flowers often softly haloed with deeper tones and...

From$28.28
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Viburnum opulus Sterile (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' is a deciduous shrub known for its beautiful clusters of white flowers without producing berries. This low-maintenance...

From$26.93
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Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus variegatum is an evergreen shrub that features variegated foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of...

From$26.93
Coprosma 'Painters Palette' colourful, glossy foliage.

Coprosma 'Painters Palette'

Coprosma 'Painters Palette' is a colourful evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant foliage in shades of pink, cream, gold, and green. Well suited to...

From$21.53
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$299.92
Coprosma 'Portwine' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Coprosma 'Portwine'

Coprosma 'Portwine' is a bold evergreen shrub admired for its rich deep burgundy foliage that delivers dramatic colour throughout the year. Well...

From$21.53
leptospermum-outrageous-2

Leptospermum 'Outrageous'

Leptospermum 'Outrageous' is a vibrant flowering manuka shrub known for its showy blooms and fine evergreen foliage. This eye catching plant brings...

From$29.63
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$21.53
Chaenomeles 'Alarm' plants for sale with elegant, red flowers.

Chaenomeles 'Alarm'

Chaenomeles 'Alarm' is a hardy deciduous shrub prized for its vivid bright red flowers that appear in late winter and early spring. This classic...

From$26.93
Coprosma 'Green and Gold' lush and glossy variegated foliage.

Coprosma 'Green and Gold'

Coprosma 'Green and Gold' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its striking variegated foliage in bright green edged with golden yellow. Well...

From$24.98
Coprosma Gold Splash growing in a garden with vibrant foliage.

Coprosma 'Gold Splash'

Coprosma 'Gold Splash' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy green foliage heavily splashed with bright golden yellow. Well suited to...

From$21.53
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$17.48
brunfelsia-tiny-dancer-

Brunfelsia Tiny Dancer

Brunfelsia 'Tiny Dancer' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its fragrant flowers that change colour as they mature. The blooms open deep purple...

From$32.33
Brunfelsia undulata 'White Caps' stunning white flowers.

Brunfelsia 'White Caps'

Brunfelsia 'White Caps' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its glossy green foliage and fragrant white flowers that often change colour as...

From$26.93
Abelia 'Francis Mason' shrub with yellow foliage and pink-white flowers.

Abelia 'Francis Mason'

Abelia 'Francis Mason' is a vibrant and versatile shrub loved for its golden yellow foliage and clusters of soft pink to white flowers in summer and...

From$24.23
Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' plant in a pot with stunning red flowers and lush, purple-green foliage.

Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red'

Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' is a bold and dramatic deciduous shrub admired for its deep red mophead flowers set against dark stems and rich green foliage...

From$26.93
azalea-vuyks-scarlet-1

Azalea japonica 'Vuyk's Scarlet'

Azalea japonica 'Vuyk's Scarlet' is a spectacular evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant scarlet red flowers that appear in spring. This compact...

From$36.38
dichroa-blue-stars--1

Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$29.63
hibiscus-syriacus-blushing-bride--1

Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride'

Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride' is a beautiful flowering shrub that brings soft romantic colour to New Zealand gardens. Its elegant blooms display delicate...

From$26.93
camellia-high-fragrance-3

Camellia 'High Fragrance'

Camellia 'High Fragrance' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its elegant pale pink blooms and delightful fragrance. This refined camellia...

From$33.68
Ligustrum Rotundifolium (Ligustrum japonicum)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abelia, Azalea, Brunfelsia, Callistemon, Camellia, Chaenomeles, Coprosma, Cornus, Dichroa, Elaeagnus, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Leptospermum, Ligustrum, Pieris, Rhaphiolepis, Rhododendron Tecomaria and Viburnum, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas Evergreen Shrubs and Vireya Rhododendon.

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.


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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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