Overview
Ligustrum ovalifolium is a bushy, columnar upright shrub in the genus Ligustrum, part of the Oleaceae family, with semi evergreen, evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4.0 m tall. Ligustrum ovalifolium grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedges, screens and borders. It is native to Japan.
About
Ligustrum ovalifolium, also known as Korean privet, California privet, garden privet, and oval-leaved privet, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. The species is native to Japan and Korea.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ligustrum ovalifolium
About the genus
A privet is a flowering plant in the genus Ligustrum. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, with a native distribution from Europe to tropical and subtropical Asia, and with one species each native to Australia and north Africa. Some species have become widely naturalized or invasive where introduced.
Wikipedia contributors, "Privet", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Privet
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligustrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Ligustrum ovalifolium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen, Evergreen
- Height
- 4.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, screens, borders
- Native to
- Japan
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant flowers
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligustrum ovalifolium
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; adaptable to urban conditions
- Pruning
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage dense growth; best done in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf mining moths, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, White root rot, Leaf spots, Verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligustrum ovalifolium?
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; adaptable to urban conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Ligustrum ovalifolium?
Ligustrum ovalifolium prefers full sun and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligustrum ovalifolium need?
Ligustrum ovalifolium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Ligustrum ovalifolium?
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage dense growth; best done in late winter or early spring.
How big does Ligustrum ovalifolium grow?
Ligustrum ovalifolium reaches a height of 4.0 m.
Is Ligustrum ovalifolium hardy in the UK?
Ligustrum ovalifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Ligustrum ovalifolium?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, seed.
Is Ligustrum ovalifolium toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
