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Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum'
golden privet
Japan and Korea; the species is widely naturalized and invasive in parts of North America and Europe
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At a Glance
TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 m)
Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Maturity5 years
Overview
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' is golden privet (golden California privet), an upright semi-evergreen shrub growing 8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide. Green leaves with broad golden-yellow margins (variegated). White tiny flowers in terminal panicles 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in June-July — strongly fragrant (often described as cloying). Blue-black berries 0.25 inch (6 mm). In Oleaceae. Native to Japan and Korea. The species L. ovalifolium is classified as invasive in parts of the southeastern US, UK, and New Zealand — birds disperse the berries. This invasive potential is the primary limitation. The strong flower fragrance is described as cloying by many. Tolerates heavy shearing for formal hedges. Highly adaptable — tolerates alkaline chalk, heavy clay, air pollution, and urban conditions (pH 5.0-8.0). Toxic (berries and leaves). Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Zones 5-8. Part sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to Japan and Korea. The species L. ovalifolium is widely naturalized and classified as invasive in parts of the southeastern US, UK, and New Zealand.Suggested Uses
Grown as a formal hedge, informal screen, and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) or 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) for hedges. Golden variegated foliage. Tolerates heavy shearing. Invasive species — remove berries. Toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 12'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Early summer (June-July). White tiny flowers in terminal panicles 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Strongly fragrant (cloying). 3 weeks of bloom. Bee- and butterfly-visited. Blue-black berries follow.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, tiny, in terminal panicles 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); strong fragrance — often described as cloyingFoliage Description
Green center with broad golden-yellow margins (variegated); semi-evergreen in mild winters (zones 7-8); drops in zones 5-6Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full sun (4-8 hours). Any well-drained soil pH 5.0-8.0 — tolerates chalk, clay, and urban conditions. Drought-tolerant once established. Invasive species — remove flowers before berry set. Shear hedges 2-3 times per growing season. Toxic (berries and leaves). Deer-resistant. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Shear hedges 2-3 times per growing season (May, July, September). For formal hedges, shear to shape after each flush of growth. For informal shrubs, prune in early spring (March). Remove reverted (solid green) shoots promptly — they outcompete the variegated growth. Remove flowers before berry set to limit invasive spread.Pruning Schedule
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F
M
A
M
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J
A
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early springlate springsummer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons