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New Mexico Privet is an attractive multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with ornamental white bark and brilliant yellow fall foliage. ‘Happy Boy’ is a male plant needed for pollination. If no fruit is desired, plant only ‘Happy Boy’. One male pollinates numerous female plants. Plant at least one male and female plant if you wish to get berries.
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low
temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will
survive the winter temperatures in your area.
If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack
of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).
12-18' tall x 12' wide (cutting propagated). A deciduous, native shrub that develops great character with age. It can be grown into a dense hedge or pruned to form a twisting, multi-stemmed small tree. The beautiful whitish bark accentuates the bright yellow fall foliage. Female plants produce considerable quantities of blue-black berries that are eaten by birds. You will need a female and male plant if you wish to get berries: see Forestiera neomexicana 'Berry Girl.' A moderate to fast grower in any soil. Although drought tolerant, regular watering will help the plant to thrive and fill out quickly.
More Information
SKU
HC014576
Item Package Size
Plant - 5" Deep Pot
Common Name
Happy Boy New Mexico Privet
Botanical Name
Forestiera neomexicana Happy Boy
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Mature Height
12-18' tall
Mature Spread
12' wide
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Type
Average Soil, Sandy Soil, Clay Soil
Soil Moisture
Waterwise
Advantages
Attract Birds, Deer Resistant, Native, Good For Hedge / Screen, Winter Interest, Easy To Grow, Low Maintenance
Special Groups
High Country Gardens Exclusive, High Country Gardens Introduction
Growing Shrubs and Small Trees: The shrubs and trees we sell are 1-2 year-old seedlings. These young plants appreciate some extra attention during their first 3 years in your landscape.
Preferred growing conditions:
Check each species soil preferences before planting. Some do well in clay while others do not.
Mulch with common mulching materials. As they get larger (2 ft. or more in height), thicken the mulch layer to a depth of 2-3 inches.
Even xeric (waterwise) species will establish better and grow more quickly when given regular irrigation during the first 3 years in the garden. As they begin to reach maturity, watering frequency can be reduced to a good deep soaking every 10 to 14 days during the heat of summer.
Plant in full sun or part sun depending on plant preference.
Dig a wide but shallow hole and enrich the soil with ample amounts of compost and Yum Yum. This will help them to grow and mature more quickly.
Special comments:
Most native shrubs and trees are highly recommended for providing wildlife habitat (nesting spots, fruit or seeds for songbirds and mammals, nectar for pollinators).
They are excellent for use to grow as natural (un-sheared!) hedges along fences, property lines and driveways. They live for many years once established.
Garden Care:
Fertilize in the fall with Yum Yum Mix and good quality compost. This is most important during the first 3 years in the landscape. Established plants don't need to be fertilized (unless growth is stunted by extremely poor soils).
Where browsing animals (rabbits, deer and others) are a problem, it is advisable to protect young plants with a wire cage. These can be removed after 3-4 years in the ground.
Mulching is essential to maintain the soil moisture these woody plants need to establish their deep growing roots. Be sure and replenish the mulch in fall and summer to keep it sufficiently deep.
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
No longer available this season.
As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat. The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.
Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.
Shipping Rates
Our shipping rates are calculated based on our actual average shipping costs. We do not seek to profit from shipping fees, so rest assured that our shipping rates reflect an average of what it costs to get our guaranteed products safely to your door.
US Shipping Charges
Merchandise Total
Shipping Charges
Up to $19.99
$8.99
$20 to $34.99
$10.99
$35 to $49.99
$12.99
$50 to $74.99
$14.99
$75 to $99.99
$16.99
$100 and Over
$18.99
Canadian Shipping Charges
Merchandise
Shipping Charges
Up to $24.99
$14.95
$25 to $49.99
$19.95
$50 to $74.99
$24.95
$75 to $99.99
$29.95
$100 and Over
$39.95
We charge one low flat rate for shipping our products even if your order requires multiple shipments. If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 925-9387.