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Oval-leaved privet vs Red-tip photinia

Oval-leaved privet vs Red-tip photinia

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.

Illustration of Oval-leaved privet

Oval-leaved privet

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…

Hedge
Full sun
Part shade
Shade
from about HUF 3,000
Illustration of Red-tip photinia

Red-tip photinia

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…

Hedge
Full sun
Part shade
from about HUF 2,600

Key differences

  • 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 HUF 3,400 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 6,000 for Red-tip photinia.

The data side by side

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. HUF 3,400 approx. HUF 6,000

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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