California Privet Ligustrum ovalifolium grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. This Shrub should be called the 'hedge plus' plant. You get fast, dependable growth, fragrant flowers and lots of song birds. Originally from Japan, this shrub is a perfect and commonly-used hedge plant, not generally bothered by pests.

These rapidly-growing shrubs quickly grow into thick, easily trimmed hedges in full sun or partial shade. Many prefer to shear California Privet into neat 3-6 ft. hedges. Others allow them to grow taller into dense privacy borders, only pruning them occasionally. These shrubs respond so well to pruning that they can be cut to stubs in severe northern winters and will reliably grow back in the spring.

The lush, grassy green leaves are evergreen in southern climates. Elsewhere, the leaves become bright yellow in the fall. Many homeowners wait each summer for the small, fragrant white flower panicles. The shrubs bloom profusely, scenting the air all around them. Some gardeners plant them near doors or under windows to scent the home. These shrubs make a beautiful backdrop for your flower or vegetable garden, as butterflies and honeybees are very attracted to the flowers.

Clusters of small purplish fruits replace the flowers. Songbirds will flock to your yard to feast on the fruits. Bird-lovers will enjoy watching and listening to the many different songbirds perching in the branches.

It's difficult to find a shrub that will make better 10-15 ft. privacy borders. It would be valuable for this use even if there were no other benefits. A tall, thick border will also have some sound-deadening effect in noisy, urban areas.

Some gardeners or landscape artists use this shrub to make fabulous topiaries. If you've ever thought that you'd like to try to create one, think how the kids or grand kids would love a lion, giraffe or teddy bear. Alternatively, more formal shapes offer sophistication to your landscaping.

This shrub will grace your landscape however it is used. It will function beautifully as a neatly trimmed hedge. You can let it grow into a tall, dense privacy border. Birds and butterflies will delight in the fragrant flowers and fruits. In any and all ways, California Privet will add value and enjoyment to your property.