Ligustrum japonica ‘Texanum’, commonly known as Texas Privet, is a durable, evergreen shrub that’s widely used for hedging and structure in the landscape. In its natural bush form, it develops into a dense, full plant that responds well to shaping and regular maintenance.

The foliage is thick and glossy, with a deep green color that holds year round. It creates a clean, uniform look when trimmed, which is why it’s often used for formal hedges or to define edges along walkways and property lines.

In late spring to early summer, it may produce small clusters of white flowers, followed by dark berries. While not the main feature, they add a bit of seasonal interest and can attract pollinators and birds.

The bush form is especially useful when you want a lower hedge. It naturally lends itself to being maintained at around 3 to 4 feet tall, making it ideal for creating clean boundaries without completely blocking views or overwhelming a space.

It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well drained soil. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant and handles heat, wind, and urban conditions with ease.

Ligustrum ‘Texanum’ in bush form typically reaches about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide if left unpruned, but is most commonly maintained much lower for hedging. It is well suited for USDA zones 7 through 10 and is hardy down to around 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The foliage is evergreen. 

This plant has some toxicity and may cause irritation or illness if ingested, particularly from the berries, so it is best to plant with care around pets and children.

The flowers may attract pollinators such as bees, and the berries can be of interest to birds.

It is generally deer resistant, though some browsing may occur. Rabbits tend to leave it alone once established.

Ligustrum ‘Texanum’ fits especially well into Mediterranean, formal, and contemporary garden designs, where it’s often used for hedging, screening, and defining space.

Expert Tip:

I like using the bush form when I want a clean, lower hedge around that 3 to 4 foot range. It can provide a foreground layer to another taller hedge such as Porocarpus for a more formal look.

— Nick from Rooted Theory