Landscape Showroom / RLC Selection Guide

Green Ligustrum for Tampa Landscapes

Ligustrum japonicum

Also called: Japanese privet; waxleaf ligustrum

Green ligustrum can provide a dense, glossy backdrop or a shaped evergreen accent. It is a substantial plant, so a design should account for its mature width and the maintenance needed to keep a formal outline.

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AI-generated illustration. Actual plants and materials vary; confirm the supplied selection with RLC.

At a glance

Where it fits

Use where a broad shrub can grow without closing a walkway. For screening, retain low branching. A deliberately raised tree form can work as a focal feature, but it will not provide privacy below the crown.

Sizes and varieties

Waxleaf and Japanese ligustrum often refer to this species. Sunshine ligustrum is a different selection with a different visual effect; it should not be treated as the same green hedge. Verify identity and current regional suitability before ordering.

Care through the seasons

Selective pruning maintains a natural outline; repeated shearing creates a more formal plant but can suppress flowers. Watch for scale, leaf spots and root problems when vigor changes. Keep fruiting plants managed and prevent unwanted seedlings from spreading beyond maintained beds.

Placement mistakes to avoid

Avoid choosing it for a narrow low border that requires constant size reduction. Do not confuse the species with invasive privets sold under similar common names.

Buying size is not finished size

3-, 7- and 15-gallon shrubs; tree forms quoted separately. These are nursery formats to ask about, not a live stock list or a guaranteed height. Compare the actual canopy, root ball, cultivar and overall condition. Leave room for the mature plant, even when a new installation initially looks open.

Planning the installation

Measure the usable bed, including space around windows, paths, utilities and irrigation. Show RLC both a wide view and the details of the existing ground. Discuss removals, preparation, access and watering before choosing a quantity. A larger plant may give more presence on day one, but the right location and establishment care still determine the result.

What affects cost?

Relative starting plant tier: $. A tier compares material categories; it is not an installed price. Nursery size, fullness, quantity, delivery access, removals and irrigation changes can alter the quote. Compare the whole scope, including the selected variety and size.

Common question

Can the same plant be a hedge and a tree?

Yes, but stock selection and training are different. Choose a shrub with lower foliage for screening, or a tree form when a visible trunk is intentional.

Reference: Plant or product information. Planning guidance reviewed September 2026. Availability and installed prices are confirmed by quote.