About
A vigorous, semi-evergreen, upright and bushy shrub that can grow to a height of 3m. Round black berry fruits are borne in autumn. Its leaves are golden yellow and oval-shaped. Small white flowers in pointed clusters appear between June and July, which are highly attractive to bees.
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
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, leaf mining moths and thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus