Why Waxleaf Privet?
The Waxleaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum') has earned its reputation as California's favorite privacy hedge for good reason. This exceptional evergreen creates a dense, glossy barrier that transforms your outdoor space into a private sanctuary. From the palatial estates of Palo Alto & Beverly Hills to the Palm Springs weekend homes, this versatile hedge adorns the most prestigious properties across the state.
Quick Planting Guide:
For instant privacy: Plant close enough that leaves almost touch for immediate dense coverage.
Center-to-center Spacing
Center-to-center spacing refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent plants.
Varieties & Uses
The Waxleaf Privet is incredibly versatile, with several popular applications:
- Privacy Hedges: Create living walls that block unwanted views and reduce noise
- Property Boundaries: Define your space with a beautiful natural border
- Windbreaks: Protect your property from strong winds and erosion
- Specimen Shrubs: When allowed to grow as single specimens, they provide excellent structure and architectural interest
Why Choose Plants Express
- Professional Delivery: Our own fleet delivers directly to your door
- Customer Support: Knowledgeable staff to answer all your questions
- California Grown: Plants acclimated to local conditions for better success
- Guaranteed Quality: 24-hour money-back guarantee on all plants
PLANTING GUIDE
PLANTING GUIDE
For optimal growth of your Waxleaf Privet, follow these planting guidelines:
Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ensure adequate space for vertical growth.
Soil: Plant in well-draining, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with organic matter.
Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Placement: Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfilling: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.
Temperature & Climate
The Waxleaf Privet thrives in USDA Zones 7-11, tolerating outdoor temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Being native to eastern Asia, it adapts perfectly to California's Mediterranean climate, with excellent heat and drought tolerance once established. It performs exceptionally well in coastal areas, as it can withstand salt spray and coastal winds, making it ideal for oceanfront properties.
CARE GUIDE
CARE GUIDE
Watering Requirements
Establishment Period: Water regularly during the first year to develop a strong root system
Established Plants: Once established, Waxleaf Privet becomes drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells
Technique: Deep, thorough watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering
Soil Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root issues
Fertilization
Feed plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. A second feeding in mid-summer can promote vigorous foliage, especially when grown as a hedge. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can cause excessive vegetative growth at the expense of overall plant health.
Pruning & Maintenance
Waxleaf Privet responds exceptionally well to trimming, making it excellent for formal hedges or screens. Regular pruning encourages dense, compact growth and maintains the desired shape.
Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to keep plants healthy and looking their best. While it naturally grows as a shrub up to 10 feet tall, its size and shape can easily be maintained with pruning or shearing, making it ideal for small gardens or tight spaces.
Take a 45‑Second Tour of Our 25‑Gallon Waxleaf Privet Hedge
Size Matters: Bigger Hedges, Instant Privacy
When it comes to creating your dream landscape, starting with the right foundation makes all the difference. A robust hedge plant doesn't just look better on day one; it establishes faster, withstands stress better, and creates the privacy and beauty you desire in a fraction of the time.





FAQ'S
How tall will my Waxleaf Privet hedge get?
Waxleaf Privet naturally grows 8-10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide when left unpruned. However, it responds exceptionally well to pruning and can be maintained at any desired height from 3 feet to its full mature size. Most homeowners keep their privacy hedges between 4-6 feet tall for optimal screening while maintaining easy maintenance access.
How long before I have privacy?
For instant privacy, we recommend getting the 25-gallon size. With proper spacing and care, you can expect functional privacy within 12-18 months. Waxleaf Privet has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically adding 1-2 feet of height annually under ideal conditions
How often should I water my Waxleaf Privet hedge?
During the establishment period (first 6-12 months), water deeply 2-3 times per week to develop a strong root system. Once established, reduce watering to once weekly during summer months and every 2-3 weeks during cooler seasons. The key is deep, thorough watering rather than frequent shallow watering. Established hedges are quite drought-tolerant but will look lusher with regular irrigation.
How do I maintain the ideal height and shape of my Waxleaf Privet hedge?
For formal hedge appearance, trim 2-3 times per year during the growing season (spring through early fall). Use sharp, clean pruning tools and trim the top slightly narrower than the bottom to ensure sunlight reaches all parts of the plant. Waxleaf Privet responds well to aggressive pruning when necessary to control size - you can cut back quite hard and it will regrow beautifully.