Howard' has leaves that are yellow when new and green when mature. Recurvifolium' is a slightly smaller-leaved form with wavy leaf margins. Variegatum' has leaves with white margins and blotches. 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.
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.