About
An upright, evergreen shrub with dense foliage of thick, glossy, dark green leaves. Upright, conical sprays of small, scented white flowers in summer are followed by clusters of small, oval black 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 moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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 resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, leaf miners and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot, honey fungus, virus diseases, Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt