How to Grow California Privet - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

California privet is an evergreen shrub that is native to california and grows in a wide variety of habitats. It is a hardy shrub that can tolerate a wide range of conditions and is often used as a landscape plant. california privet can grow to a height of 15 feet and has small, dark green leaves. The flowers are white and appear in the spring. california privet is an attractive shrub that can be used in a variety of landscape settings.

How to Grow California Privet - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • False Holly
  • Winterberry
  • Yaupon
  • American Holly
  • Christmasberry

Things to Know

  • California privet is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 15 feet in height.
  • It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces small, white flowers in the springtime.
  • California privet is native to the western United States and can be found in California, Oregon, and Washington.
  • It is often used as a hedging plant or border shrub in landscaping.
  • California privet is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and is relatively easy to care for.
  • California privet is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids.
  • It is also known to be allelopathic, meaning it secretes chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants nearby.
  • California privet is considered an invasive species in some parts of the country.
  • It is listed as a noxious weed in Colorado and Washington and is banned from being sold or transported in Idaho.

How to Grow

  1. For california privet, first step is to choose a sunny location.
  2. California privet prefers well-drained soil, so make sure to amend the soil with organic matter if needed.
  3. dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the california privet's root ball.
  4. Place the root ball in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Water the california privet deeply immediately after planting.
  7. For the first year, water california privet weekly, applying 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
  8. Fertilize california privet in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  9. Prune california privet as needed to maintain the desired shape.
  10. Finally, enjoy your beautiful california privet!

Related plant:
Californian Lilac

The Soil

About soil condition, California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) prefers well-drained soil but can also tolerate some degree of moisture stress. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. This species is not particularly tolerant of salt, however, so it is not a good choice for beachfront property.

About light

Similar to other types of privet, the California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is an attractive, fast-growing shrub that is sun-loving and easy to take care of. It has small, glossy leaves that stay on the plant all year long. In the spring and summer, the California privet blooms with small, fragrant, white flowers.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition in California is privet. The average temperature in California is 68°F. The temperature in California can range from 32°F to 86°F. The record high temperature in California is 108°F. The record low temperature in California is 22°F.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. It will tolerate some lower humidity levels but may drop its leaves if the air is too dry. If the leaves do drop, they will usually grow back within a few weeks.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant benefits best from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring. If you choose to use fertilizer, be sure to follow the directions on the package. As for watering, the root system of the California privet is quite drought-tolerant once established. During the first year or two after planting, however, you will need to water regularly, especially during periods of extended dry weather, to help the root system become established.

About light

Pruning is an important part of maintaining your California privet. You'll want to prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and then thin out the plant to allow for better air circulation. You can also trim back the privet to keep it from getting too large.

The Propagation

Propagation of California privet is most commonly done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Before planting, the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and the bottom 2-3 inches should be planted in a well-drained potting mix. The pot should be kept moist but not wet and in a location with bright indirect light. Once roots have formed and new growth appears, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the age of the plant, meaning that young plants will grow faster than older plants. However, there are a few other factors that affect growth rate, such as the type of soil, the amount of sunlight, and the amount of water. The best way to ensure that your plant grows at a good rate is to provide it with the best possible growing conditions.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, fungal leaf spot, and root rot. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture in the environment. To avoid these problems, make sure to plant california privet in an area with well-drained soil and full sun.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant your California privet in an area that receives full sun.
  • When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
  • Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  • Water your privet regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  • Fertilize your California privet every spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  • Watch out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if necessary.
  • Mulch around your privet to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Ensure that the soil around your privet does not dry out completely.
  • Fall is the best time to plant a California privet.

Substitution

  • Ligustrum ovalifolium (garden privet)
  • Ligustrum vicaryi (golden privet)
  • Ligustrum amurense (amur privet)
  • Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese privet)
  • Ligustrum quihoui (French privet)
  • Ptelea trifoliata (common hops-tree)
  • Ptelea trifoliata (three-leaved hop)
  • Ptelea trifoliata (wafer ash)
  • Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven)
  • Ailanthus excelsa (Indian tree-of-heaven)

Source:
California Privet | University of Redlands
CaliforniaColleges.edu
Ligustrum ovalifolium, California privet | Trees of Stanford

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category