How much sun does Florida privet need?

Florida privet grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Florida privet bloom?

Florida privet blooms in February, March, and April.

Where is Florida privet native?

Florida privet (Forestiera segregata) is native to FL, GA, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Florida privet

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Forestiera segregata

Last reviewed: November 2026

Florida privet (Forestiera segregata) is a perennial shrub native to FL, GA, SC. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Florida privet, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Florida privet (Forestiera segregata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–180" H × 60"–120" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

FL, GA, SC

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Florida privet.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

A dense, glossy-leaved evergreen shrub with small inconspicuous flowers followed by dark blue-black berries on female plants. It takes shearing well and holds a neat, rounded form as a hedge or screen.

Growing Florida privet

Grow Florida privet in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 180 inches tall and spread 60 to 120 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The berries are an important late-fall and winter food source for migrating and resident songbirds.

Common questions

How much sun does Florida privet need?: Florida privet grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Florida privet bloom?: Florida privet blooms in February, March, and April.
Where is Florida privet native?: Florida privet (Forestiera segregata) is native to FL, GA, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Florida privet attract?: Florida privet draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Florida privet? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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