Oval Leaf Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. It is also known as Korean privet, California privet, garden privet, and oval-leaved privet. It is native to Japan and Korea, but it has been widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many countries particularly in the UK.
Ligustrum ovalifolium is a dense, fast-growing, deciduous evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to 10–15 feet (3.0–4.6 m) tall and wide. Its thick, fleshy leaves are green on the top and greenish-yellow on the underside. It produces white flowers in midsummer, which have a pungent fragrance that some people may find unpleasant. The flowers are followed by black, poisonous berries that are eaten by many birds.
Ligustrum ovalifolium is a popular choice for hedging, as it can be clipped into a formal shape and is very tolerant of pollution, sea winds, sun, shade, and dry soil. However, it can also be invasive in some areas, as it spreads by seeds and suckers. It is also used as a food plant by the larvae of some moth species, and its flowers attract bees.
The current height of the plants is approximately 15-30cm and they can be planted out all year round.
- Plant in dry and exposed locations
- Likes most well drained soils
- Evergreen garden hedging
- Wildlife friendly
