About
An elegant large deciduous shrub of open habit, with glossy, oval mid-greenleaves to 4cm long, and scented white flowers in panicles to 40cm long in late summer and early autumn, followed by small, glossy purple-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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina, Korea
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 full sun or part shade; ideal for hedging
PruningPruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, leaf miners and privet thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus or leaf spots (see leaf damage on woody plants) or verticillium wilt