About
A vigorous, upright semi-evergreen or evergreen shrub about 4m tall, with oval, glossy green leaves to 6cm long. Small white scented flowers in pointed dense clusters to 10cm long appear in midsummer followed by rounded shiny black fruits in 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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen, Evergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toJapan
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 any well-drained, or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1; If grown as a hedge, pruning group 3. Pruning suppresses flowering. Prune two or three times during growing season. Cease pruning in late summer avoid frost damage on new growth
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings or by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, leaf mining moths and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus