About
A vigorous deciduous shrub, to around 3m high, with a spreading habit and elliptic to oval, slightly glossy green leaves that often tint purple in autumn. Hanging clusters of small, scented, tubular white flowers are produced in summer, followed by round, blue-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, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toE China, Korea, Japan
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
PruningPruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer
PropagationPropagate by seed, by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or by 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