About
A vigorous deciduous or semi-evergreen suckering shrub, up to 4m high, with a spreading, arching habit, downy stems and elliptic to lance-shaped green leaves. Free-flowering, producing long, dense clusters of small white flowers, often on leafless lateral stems, in midsummer. These are followed by pendent clusters of 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, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous, Semi 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
Native toChina, Vietnam
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging
PruningPruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer
PropagationPropagate by seed, semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. In good conditions plants often spread by seed and by suckers
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to privet aphid, willow scale insects, lilac leaf-mining moth and privet thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, white root rot, leaf spots and Verticillium wilt