What soil does Oval-leaved privet grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Oval-leaved privet hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Oval-leaved privet be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Oval-leaved privet be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 35 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 3 plants per metre.

How much water does Oval-leaved privet need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Oval-leaved privet cost?

It sells for roughly €7 to €15 in local shops, depending on size.

Oval-leaved privet

Ligustrum ovalifolium

Oval-leaved privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a hedge plant. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €7.

Illustration of Oval-leaved privet — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 its leaves in mild winters but sheds some or all of them in harder frost, then reliably leafs out again in spring. Trim it once or twice a year to keep it dense, and be aware that not everyone likes the heavy scent of its white summer flowers.

Watch out for

In the colder winters of Central Europe you cannot count on year-round screening: it drops its leaves in hard frost and shoots of young, not yet established plants may die back, although it resprouts in spring. Yellow variegated forms can be scorched after their first winters. It is notably susceptible to honey fungus, and powdery mildew, leaf spots and aphids occur. It does not tolerate waterlogging. In favourable spots it can seed itself around.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–July, white

Group	Hedge
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	3–5 m × 2–4.5 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–July, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €7

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-50 cm	approx. €7
size not stated	approx. €15

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Hedge plants Plants for screening Fragrant plants

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

Compare with similar plants

Oval-leaved privet vs Anglo-Japanese yew Oval-leaved privet vs Arborvitae Oval-leaved privet vs Cherry laurel Oval-leaved privet vs Common yew Oval-leaved privet vs Ebbing's silverberry Oval-leaved privet vs European hornbeam Oval-leaved privet vs Japanese spindle Oval-leaved privet vs Photinia 'Red Robin' Oval-leaved privet vs Red-tip photinia Oval-leaved privet vs Wild privet

Looks good next to it

Heartleaf bergenia

Bergenia cordifolia

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Irish moss

Sagina subulata