About
A small evergreen tree with glossy, ovate leaves mottled with light green and edged with creamy-yellow. Flowers small, cream, in panicles to 20cm in length in late summer and early autumn, followed by 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
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
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 any well-drained, or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, leaf-mining moths and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus