Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum', waxleaf privot
1 / 7
Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'

waxleaf privot

Oleaceae

Species native to eastern Asia including Japan, Korea, and eastern China; cultivar selected in Texas

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A cultivar of Ligustrum japonicum forming a dense, upright to rounded evergreen shrub reaching 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide, more compact than the species type, which can reach 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m). Growth rate is moderate to fast, adding 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year under favorable conditions. Leaves are opposite, ovate to elliptical, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long and 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide, thick and leathery with a glossy, waxy surface on the upper side and lighter green matte undersides. Leaf margins are entire and often slightly recurved. New growth emerges lighter green, darkening to deep glossy green at maturity. Flowers appear in June to July in terminal panicles 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, consisting of numerous small, white, four-petaled flowers approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) across. Flowers have a strong, musky fragrance that some find unpleasant. Fruit is a blue-black to dark purple oval drupe approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long, produced abundantly in fall and persisting into winter. Birds consume the berries and can disperse seeds into natural areas; the species is considered invasive in parts of the southeastern United States. Hardy to approximately 0-10°F (-18 to -12°C). Tolerates heavy pruning and is commonly maintained at heights well below its natural maximum. Susceptible to whitefly infestations in warm, sheltered locations.

Native Range

The species Ligustrum japonicum is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and eastern China. Found in mixed woodlands, forest margins, and scrubland at low to moderate elevations. The cultivar 'Texanum' was selected in Texas for its compact habit and denser foliage.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a formal or informal hedge, screening plant, or foundation shrub at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. The dense, glossy foliage and tolerance of shearing make it widely used for topiary and formal shapes. Tolerates urban pollution, coastal salt spray, and a wide range of soil conditions. Suitable for containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L).

How to Identify

Distinguished from the species type by its more compact, denser habit and slightly smaller, thicker, glossier leaves. Leaves are opposite, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, thick and leathery with a distinctly waxy, glossy upper surface. Compared to Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet), the leaves of L. japonicum 'Texanum' are smaller, thicker, and more rounded, and the plant remains shrub-sized rather than developing into a tree. Distinguished from Ligustrum ovalifolium (California privet) by the thicker, more leathery leaf texture and evergreen persistence.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 9'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Summer
Flowers from June to July in USDA zones 7-10. Terminal panicles 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long consist of numerous small white flowers each approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) across with four petals. Bloom lasts approximately 3-4 weeks. Flowers have a strong, musky fragrance. Blue-black to dark purple oval drupes approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long ripen in September to October and persist into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green upper surface with waxy sheen; lighter matte green underside

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandchalk
Drainage
average

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH levels from 5.0 to 8.0. Water regularly during the first growing season; established plants are drought-tolerant, withstanding dry periods of 3-4 weeks without supplemental irrigation. Performs well in full sun to partial shade; denser growth and heavier flowering occur in full sun. Whitefly infestations can develop in warm, sheltered locations; inspect leaf undersides regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as needed. Cercospora leaf spot may cause brown lesions in humid conditions; improve air circulation through selective thinning. In regions where Ligustrum species are invasive, remove fruit clusters before birds disperse seeds to prevent spread into natural areas.

Pruning

Tolerates heavy and repeated shearing, making it well-suited for formal hedging. Prune or shear 2-3 times during the growing season from late spring through mid-summer to maintain desired shape and density. For informal shapes, prune selectively in late winter by thinning interior branches to improve air circulation. Responds readily to hard rejuvenation pruning; cut back to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in late winter and regrowth fills in within one to two growing seasons. Remove flower panicles after bloom in regions where invasive spread is a concern.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans