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small leaf privet

Small leaf privet is one of the most versatile and widely used hedging plants in New Zealand gardens. Known for its dense, glossy foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of environments, small leaf privet is a reliable choice for those seeking formal hedges, privacy screens, or attractive topiary features. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a home gardener, understanding the best care, planting methods, and alternative privet varieties will help you achieve the look you want in your garden.

Phormium 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Phormium 'Surfer'

5 from 2 customers

Phormium 'Surfer' is a compact New Zealand native flax admired for its striking green leaves edged with bronze and red tones. Its upright, arching foliage adds year round structure, texture, and colour contrast to the garden. This hardy and versatile variety is ideal for small spaces, borders, and containers.

From $14.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

5 from 1 customers

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and held densely on short stems. Left untrimmed it will eventually grow to 1 m tall and 1.2 m wide.

From $129.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Rock
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

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

From$21.95
Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

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Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' creeping stems with green foliage.
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' is a refined evergreen ivy featuring small, deeply lobed leaves with a delicate, pointed shape. This compact and elegant...

From$14.95
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
Buxus koreana plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood)

Buxus koreana, commonly known as Korean Box, is a cold-hardy, evergreen shrub ideal for low hedging and formal borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

From$17.95
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.63
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree...

From$299.95
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' plant in a pot.
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Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring, which are followed by small, blue berries in summer. These are...

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Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.
Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

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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
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Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea'

Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its delicate pink blossoms and unusually long flowering season. Small...

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Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$102.84
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

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Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Fireglow'

Acer 'Fireglow' is a striking Japanese maple prized for its brilliant deep red foliage that holds colour exceptionally well throughout the season...

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Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.
Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The...

From$270.40
Griselinia lucida hedge with lush and large, green foliage.
Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida, commonly known as Akapuka, is a striking New Zealand native shrub or small tree characterized by its large, leathery, and glossy...

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Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.
Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$349.95
Haworthia mirabilis 'Triebneriana' plant.
Haworthia mirabilis triebneriana

Haworthia mirabilis triebneriana is a compact succulent admired for its detailed rosettes, textured foliage, and easy care nature. It is an excellent...

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Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
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An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
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From$299.95
Senecio 'Angel Wings' grey, velvet covered foliage.
Senecio 'Angel Wings'

Senecio 'Angel Wings' is an herbaceous perennial grown for its unusual and soft, grey foliage. It produces large leaves that are covered in fine felt...

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Haworthia glabrata

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Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
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Echeveria 'Set Oliver'

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Phormium 'Surfer'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Buxus, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, and Groundcover Plants.

Search small leaf privet

What Is Small Leaf Privet?

Small leaf privet typically refers to compact privet varieties with finer leaves, making them highly desirable for neat, structured hedges and low-maintenance borders. Their small, oval leaves grow densely along slender branches, creating an appealing evergreen look year-round. Small leaf privet tolerates regular pruning, shaping easily into crisp, structured forms.

Planting and Growing Conditions

Small leaf privet is highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay. It prefers full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for most New Zealand gardens. For an optimal hedge, space plants approximately 30–50cm apart. Water well during establishment and mulch to retain moisture. Once established, small leaf privet demonstrates drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements. Regular trimming in late spring or early summer keeps the hedge neat and healthy.

Uses in Landscaping

Small leaf privet is especially popular for formal hedges, low barriers, and pathway edging. Its responsive growth means it can also be maintained as topiary balls or other decorative forms. For coastal, urban, or rural properties, small leaf privet offers year-round greenery and privacy solutions. It can even serve as a backdrop for flowering perennials and feature plants.

Alternative Privet Varieties

If you love the look of small leaf privet, you may also be interested in other privet varieties, each with unique characteristics. Consider browsing these related evergreen options:

Maintenance Tips

To keep your small leaf privet healthy and looking smart, prune lightly and often to maintain the desired shape. Fertilise in late winter with a slow-release fertiliser, and keep an eye out for signs of root rot in poorly drained soils. With the right care, your small leaf privet hedge or feature will provide decades of performance and appeal.

For more ideas on the best privet for your garden, explore our range of Ligustrum species and discover the right evergreen solution for every space.

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.
Love Avocado 'Hass' and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'? Then you’ll adore the quiet charm of Grevillea 'Moonlight', Plum 'Billington', and Rhaphiolepis umbellata.
–The Plant Company

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