How to Grow Desert Privet
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Desert Privet
Forestiera neomexicana
shrubDesert Privet is a native North American shrub known for its fine-textured foliage and adaptability to arid conditions. This deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by ornamental blue-black berries that attract wildlife. It is highly valued for xeriscaping, native plant landscapes, and as a drought-tolerant screening or hedge plant.
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Example Desert Privet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Desert Privet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Desert Privet
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Desert Privet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-9, with cold hardiness to zone 6b in protected locations
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Get my Desert Privet timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 months after plantingYoung transplant developing root system with sparse branching; foliage emerging gradually
Water regularly (weekly to bi-weekly) to establish deep roots. Avoid heavy fertilizer. Mulch lightly to retain moisture without promoting fungal issues.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through summer, months 6-18Shrub developing leafy stems and branching structure; fine-textured foliage becoming denser
Water every 2-3 weeks if rainfall is scarce. No fertilizer needed on healthy plants. Prune lightly in early spring to shape if desired.
Flowering
Spring (March-May, depending on region)Small, greenish-yellow flowers appear in clusters along stems; flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators
No special care needed. Allow flowers to set naturally; avoid heavy pruning during this period.
Fruiting
Summer through winter (June-January)Flowers give way to ornamental blue-black berries that mature and persist on branches; attracts birds and wildlife
Do not harvest berries; leave for wildlife benefit or ornamental display. Berries persist into winter.
Mature/Drought-Tolerant
Year 2+ onward, indefinitelyFully established shrub requiring minimal supplemental water; hardy and resilient to stress
Water only during severe drought (extended dry periods >4 weeks). No fertilizer needed. Prune sparingly to maintain shape or remove dead wood.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around established plants to discourage infestation.
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Monitor foliage undersides; use yellow sticky traps for early detection. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations develop.
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Prune affected branches; spray with horticultural oil during dormant season. Hand-remove severe infestations on small plants.
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and
Generally not seriously damaging. Use floating row covers on young plants if needed; neem oil for heavy infestations.
Uses
Bird and Pollinator Support
WildlifeDesert Privet produces fragrant flowers that attract native bees and pollinators in spring, and ornamental berries that provide food for birds and wildlife year-round, including migrating species. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Screening and Hedges
HouseholdDue to its fine-textured foliage, moderate growth habit, and ability to withstand arid conditions with minimal water, Desert Privet is ideal for creating natural screens, windbreaks, and xeriscaped hedges in water-conscious landscapes. [source]
Native Plant Restoration
HouseholdAs a native North American species adapted to Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and transition desert regions, Desert Privet is valuable for habitat restoration projects, native plant gardens, and supporting local ecosystem function. [source]
Ornamental Foliage and Fruit
CraftThe fine, delicate foliage and blue-black berries make Desert Privet attractive for dry floral arrangements, ornamental displays, and landscape design as a specimen or background shrub. [source]
Harvest Tips
Desert Privet is not harvested for food or medicinal use in commercial settings. Berries are primarily left on the plant for ornamental value and wildlife benefit. If collecting seeds, allow berries to fully ripen (blue-black color) in late summer to fall, then collect and stratify seeds for germination.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Desert Privet is native to the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico) and has been used by Native American communities for centuries in traditional landscapes and ethnobotany.
- 🌱 The fragrant flowers of Desert Privet bloom in early spring and are one of the first nectar sources for native desert bees emerging from winter dormancy, making it crucial for pollinator populations.
- 🌱 Despite its common name, Desert Privet is not closely related to true privet species (Ligustrum); it belongs to the Oleaceae family and is more closely related to ash and lilac plants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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