About
An upright, evergreen shrub with dense foliage of thick, glossy green leaves with irregular creamy yellow margins. 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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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; will not tolerate waterlogging. Variegation is more pronounced in full sun
PruningPruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to privet aphid, scale insects, leaf miners and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot, honey fungus, virus diseases, Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt