Glossy Privet, Tree Privet

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 0°F

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Origin: Korea, China, Japan

Growth Habits: large evergreen shrub or small tree, with an open round crown, 3 to 12 feet tall (0.9-3.6 m) as a shrub, up to 40 feet as a tree (12 m); gray thin bark, glabrous twigs; simple, opposite, ovate to lanceolate dark green leaves, 2 to 8 inches long (5-20 cm), 1.2 to 3 inches wide (3-7 cm), with a glossy upper surface and narrow translucent margin

Watering Needs: Regular water, prefers deep soils with good drainage

Propagation: Cuttings

The leaves and fruit are poisonous. It is considered an invasive plant in Florida, although less so than the Chinese Privet.

Blooming Habits:
The Glossy Privet bears strongly-scented (can be found unpleasant), creamy white, flowers, about 0.25 inch in diameter (6 mm), in broadly pyramidal clusters, 10 by 8 inches (25x20 cm), in summer.

Fruiting Habits:
Abundance of elliptical-oblong berry-like blue-black fruits, 0.25 inch long (6 mm), 0.2 inch in diameter (5 mm). The fruit may stain whatever they fall on.

Culture:
The privet is easy to shape as desired. It is susceptible to Texas root rot