Mature Height/Spread: This evergreen tree will reach 35 to 40 feet, but can be kept lower as a big shrub. The spread is about 5 to 10 feet. The leaves are 4 to 6 inches long, glossy dark green on both sides and less spongy than the leaves of Japanese privet. Glossy privet has large clusters of white flowers, followed by many purple-blue berries.

Growth Rate: The growth rate is very rapid.

Landscape Use: Glossy privet makes a fine lawn tree and is excellent as a tall screen or windbreak. There are some disadvantages to planting this tree. The fruit crop is immense and berries will drop on and stain paved areas and cars. Fallen berries sprout in groundcover and will need pulling. Many people dislike the flower smell and fruiting clusters are bare and unattractive after fruit drop.

Cultivars and Varieties:

* ‘Compactum’ has dense, dark green, waxy leaves.
* ‘Davidson Hardy’ is an exceptionally hardy plant with excellent foliage.
* ‘Tricolor’ has leaves that are variegated with white, and they are pink when young.
* ‘Macrophyllum’ has very large leaves.