Ligustrum japonica ‘Texanum’, commonly known as Texas Privet, is one of the most reliable plants you can use when privacy is the goal. It’s widely used for hedging along property lines, fences, and walls, where it creates a dense, evergreen screen that helps block views and define space.

The foliage is thick and glossy, forming a tight, full canopy that holds year round. When planted in rows and maintained, it creates a clean, uniform hedge that can effectively screen off neighbors, street views, or anything you’d rather not see.

In its standard shrub form, it works well as a mid to tall hedge—but when grown on a stake, it gives you a big advantage right away. The staked form provides instant height, allowing you to establish a taller screen much faster without waiting years for the plant to grow up from the ground.

It can be kept tightly pruned for a formal look or allowed to grow a bit more naturally for a softer feel, depending on the design. Either way, it responds well to shaping and is easy to maintain.

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

Ligustrum ‘Texanum’ 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 without much trouble.

When used as a hedge, it can easily reach 8 to 15 feet tall depending on spacing and pruning, with a dense, continuous spread. 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 creating clean boundaries.

Expert Tip:

If I’m trying to create privacy quickly, I’ll go straight to the staked form. You’re basically skipping a few years of growth and getting that height right away. It’s one of the easiest ways to block a view fast, especially along a wall or fence line. I will generally plant 5 gallon plants about 24" on center (trunk to trunk) for good coverage.

— Nick from Rooted Theory

Note:  5 gallon sizes may range from 2.5 to 3.5 feet tall and come on a wood stake.  15 gallon sizes may range from 4.5 to 5' by 14" wide.  24 inch boxes may come approximately 6 to 7' tall by 20" wide. The growth between a 15 gallon and 24" box is approximately 3 years. Note that a 25 gallon plastic tub may be substituted for a 24" wood box In some cases.

These are averages.  Please inquire if you desire a more specific current height spec.