1 / 5

Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 6 to 12 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: Creamy white
Foliage color: Glossy dark green, evergreen
Bloom time: May to June
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium; prune after flowering or shape as needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 7b to 10
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies; fruits are showy

Shrubs

Ligustrum japonicum

Waxleaf Privet

Ligustrum japonicum, commonly known as waxleaf privet, is an evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and dense growth habit. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. These blooms are followed by round, bluish-black berries that provide additional seasonal interest and food for birds.

Native to Japan and Korea, Ligustrum japonicum has been widely cultivated for its adaptability and ornamental value.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Dry to medium

Bloom time

May to June

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Bird Gardens
Formal Gardens

Companion plants

Russian sage · Blue fescues · Coreopsis · Yarrow · Daylilies · Creeping phlox

Design tip

Use waxleaf privet where a dense evergreen backdrop is needed to define or enclose a garden space. Allow it to grow more naturally for an informal screen, or prune it regularly to create a neater, more structured hedge that provides year-round contrast behind flowering plants.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)