Chinese Privet is cultivated as an ornamental plant and for hedges.  It was introduced to North America to be used for hedges and landscaping where it has now escaped from cultivation and is listed as an invasive plant in southeastern states. It is estimated that Chinese Privet now occupies over one million acres of land across 12 states ranging from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas, with detrimental effects to biodiversity and forest health.  It is recommended not to plant privet.  This is Variegated Chinese Privet.