About
Conical evergreen tree or shrub to 10m tall, with narrow, oval, green and grey-green leaves margined creamy-white, pink-tinged when young, and bearing small white flowers in panicles to 20cm, late summer and autumn.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun pr partial shade but better leaf colour in a sunny position
PruningPruning group 1; in summer; clip hedges twice in summer
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, lilac leaf miner and privet thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot