Glossy Privet

Ligustrum lucidum

• A flowering plant in the olive family
• Evergreen grown as a small tree or hedge-style shrub
• Texas tough in either heat or cold
• Blooms vibrant white flowers in spring
• Handles extensive pruning well, adaptable to topiary cuts

Native to China, Korea, and Japan, the Glossy Privet is one of the best plants for a hedge, where they create a natural wall in any landscape! As you can tell by its common name, Ligustrum lucidum (botanical name) has glossy leaves with an attractive medium to dark green color. When the vibrant white flowers bloom in early spring and early summer, they create a bright and colorful privacy screen to shield from unwanted views or soften a plain wall or fence line! This Ligustrum Privet is versatile, so we also like to plant them as a small lawn tree or plant a few for use as a barrier along driveways or windbreak. They handle extensive pruning, so they are also adaptable to topiary cuts and ideal for any formal landscape!

Glossy Privet grows quickly and easily, and since they are tolerant of the wind and poor soils, they are an excellent choice for Houston. They are also tolerant of air pollution, so we like to use them in urban landscapes where they can help clean the air while adding a splash of green. They prefer to grow in an area with full sun to partial shade exposure and once established, and they are drought tolerant with little to moderate watering needs. These are Texas tough; they can handle either heat or cold!

The Glossy Privet continues to be a popular choice for landscapes, whether used between residential lots or shaped into globes. Landscapers love them because they can get creative with topiary forms and can easily maintain their appearance and growth!