Japanese spindle 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.
Euonymus japonicus 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
An evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery leaves that takes clipping well, so it works as a low to medium hedge, a screen or a container plant, 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…
Japanese spindle is evergreen, Oval-leaved privet is semi-evergreen.
Oval-leaved privet grows faster than Japanese spindle.
Oval-leaved privet is hardier: down to -23 °C, against -18 °C for Japanese spindle.
Japanese spindle is cheaper: about €4.90 at the size usually planted, against about €7 for Oval-leaved privet.
|
Feature
|
Japanese spindle
|
Oval-leaved privet
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 2 m × 1.5 m | 3 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 2.5–4.5 m × 1.5–2.5 m | 3–5 m × 2–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | May–July, green | June–July, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 50 cm | 35 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €4.90 | approx. €7 |
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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