California Privet

California privet (*Ligustrum ovalifolium*) is a vigorous, upright semi-evergreen shrub with glossy oval leaves; fragrant white flower clusters appear in midsummer, followed by shiny black fruit in autumn ([RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/91966/ligustrum-ovalifolium/details), [University of Maryland Extension](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/privet)). It suits a clipped hedge or screen, though frequent shearing reduces flowering ([RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/91966/ligustrum-ovalifolium/details)). California privet can escape cultivation and spread by seed in parts of the United States, so check local invasive-plant guidance before planting ([Arkansas Extension](https://uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/Privet-Ligustrum-Hedges-8-24-2018.aspx), [Maryland Extension](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/privet)). ## Size & Placement The Royal Horticultural Society lists potential heights of 4–8 m and spreads of 2.5–4 m; actual size varies with conditions and clipping. It grows in full sun or partial shade and accepts chalk, clay, loam, or sandy soil when drainage is good. ## Care For a formal hedge, the RHS recommends pruning two or three times during the growing season; pruning suppresses flowers, and trimming should stop in late summer to reduce frost damage to new growth. Watch for seedlings around fruiting plants where spread is a concern. ## Maintenance Trim hedges as needed to keep the desired height and density. Leave an unpruned specimen room to develop its natural upright, bushy shape.