Border Privet
Ligustrum obtusifolium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–180" H × 72"–144" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
VA
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Border privet is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that forms dense, rounded masses up to 15 feet tall and wide. It produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by dark berries. This hardy shrub tolerates various growing conditions and can be pruned to maintain desired size and shape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Border Privet takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Non-native invasive species that spreads aggressively
- Can escape cultivation and displace native plants
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and other pollinators during its May-June bloom period. Birds feed on the small dark berries that follow the flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Border Privet need?
- Border Privet grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Border Privet bloom?
- Border Privet blooms in May and June.
- Where is Border Privet native?
- Border Privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium) is native to VA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Border Privet attract?
- Border Privet draws bees.
- Is Border Privet HOA-friendly?
- Border Privet takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Border Privet? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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