Anglo-Japanese yew and Oval-leaved privet are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Taxus × media 2.5 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A dark green, dense evergreen and one of the best plants for a clipped hedge: it grows in sun and deep shade alike, copes well with city air and…
Ligustrum ovalifolium 3 m × 2 m after 10 years
An undemanding hedging shrub with glossy dark green leaves that thickens up quickly, grows in almost any soil and copes well with city air. It keeps…
Anglo-Japanese yew is evergreen, Oval-leaved privet is semi-evergreen.
Oval-leaved privet grows faster than Anglo-Japanese yew.
Anglo-Japanese yew is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -23 °C for Oval-leaved privet.
Anglo-Japanese yew needs less care than Oval-leaved privet.
Oval-leaved privet is cheaper: about €8.90 at the size usually planted, against about €18 for Anglo-Japanese yew.
|
Feature
|
Anglo-Japanese yew
|
Oval-leaved privet
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 1.5 m | 3 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–6 m × 2–4 m | 3–5 m × 2–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | no data | June–July, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 35 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €18 | approx. €8.90 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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