Chinese Privet

About this plant

Ligustrum sinense 'Swift Creek' offers a refined alternative to common privets, boasting dense, semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage that maintains its attractive green hue through most winters. Its finely textured leaves and compact growth habit make it an excellent choice for formal hedges or topiaries, providing year-round structure and privacy. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small, fragrant white flowers emerge, adding a delicate touch to the landscape. These are occasionally followed by small, persistent black berries, offering visual interest and a food source for birds. 'Swift Creek' is highly adaptable and resilient, thriving in a variety of conditions once established. Its ability to tolerate pruning makes it a favorite for shaping into intricate forms or for maintaining a tidy, manicured appearance.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily maintained through regular pruning to achieve desired shape and size. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, or lightly shear through the growing season for formal hedges. Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Not prone to serious pest or disease issues.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.