About
A compact, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with very thick, shiny, rounded, wavy, dark green leaves, tightly packed on stiff branches. Upright, conical sprays of small, scented, off-white flowers are followed by lax clusters of small, round, purple berries.
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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
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