Oval-leaved privet and Red-tip photinia 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.
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…
Photinia × fraseri 3 m × 2 m after 10 years
An evergreen shrub for hedges and specimens whose new shoots emerge bright red and mature to glossy dark green; trimming in spring and summer brings…
Oval-leaved privet is semi-evergreen, Red-tip photinia is evergreen.
Oval-leaved privet is hardier: down to -23 °C, against -18 °C for Red-tip photinia.
Oval-leaved privet also grows in shade, Red-tip photinia does not.
Oval-leaved privet is cheaper: about €7 at the size usually planted, against about €8.90 for Red-tip photinia.
|
Feature
|
Oval-leaved privet
|
Red-tip photinia
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2 m | 3 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–5 m × 2–4.5 m | 1–6 m × 1–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) |
| Foliage | Semi-evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | June–July, white | April–May, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 35 cm | 80 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €7 | 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 13, 2026
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