California Privet Shrub

California privet for sale here is Ligustrum ovalifolium, the glossy, oval-leaved shrub that's been a go-to for clipped hedges for generations. We ship it bare-root at 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 feet, in packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500, for privacy hedges, property lines, formal borders and wholesale buyers.

California Privet Size, Zones and Sun

Privet does what the shears tell it. Unpruned, a California privet reaches 10 to 15 feet in height and width, but clip it and it stays at whatever height you pick. It grows in zones 5 to 8, in sun or part shade. Soil that drains is the only requirement, and dry to medium ground suits it better than wet.

California Privet Leaves and Flowers

Leaves are glossy, dark and oval. In a mild winter they stay put and the shrub reads as evergreen, while a cold one strips it bare. Small white flower clusters open in June and July and smell strongly. Black berries ripen in fall.

Where to Plant California Privet

A clipped hedge is the classic use, but privet also does well as a privacy screen on a lot line or a formal border. For a thick hedge set plants 2 to 3 feet apart, closer if you're after privacy fast. Our guide to the best shrubs for hedges and borders compares other hedge choices.

Planting California Privet Bare-root

Soak the roots for an hour, set each plant at the depth it grew and firm the soil. Water well. Cutting the tops back by about a third right after planting pushes out side branches, which is what builds a thick hedge from the base.

Buying California Privet in Bulk

At 2 feet apart a pack of 25 makes a hedge about 50 feet long, 100 plants run to 200 feet and 500 plants reach 1,000. The 1-2 foot size is the easiest to plant by the hundred, and the 3-4 foot plants give you privacy sooner.

Good to Know About California Privet

The flowers smell strong, and not everyone loves it, so think twice before planting right by a patio or window. A couple of shearings in the growing season keep a formal hedge sharp. Water new plants all through the first summer, because privet likes drainage and dislikes wet roots.

California Privet Varieties and Care

Privets come in several types with different hardiness and habits. Our privets guide to varieties, uses and care explains how California privet compares.

California Privet for Formal Hedges

Few shrubs take clipping as well. Cut it into a flat-topped hedge, a rounded edge or a tall screen, and it fills right back in. That's why nursery growers and estate gardeners still plant it.

California Privet Sizes, Packs and Shipping

California privet ships bare-root in November, in 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 foot sizes and packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500. Volume pricing available. Browse more wholesale shrubs.