About
It bears conical sprays of small, scented, off-white flowers from mid-summer to early autumn, which are followed by lax clusters of small, round, black berries. A fine, upright evergreen shrub or small tree, to 3m in height if grown as a shrub. The leaves are dark green, waxy and can be up to 10cm long.
About the genus
Ligustrum can be decidous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, entire leaves and panicles of small, often unpleasantly scented white flowers in spring or summer, followed by black or deep purple berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSE China, Korea, Japan
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot, honey fungus, virus diseases, Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt