Overview
Ligustrum vulgare is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ligustrum, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Ligustrum vulgare grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe N. Africa SW Asia.
About
Ligustrum vulgare is a dense shrub that can be either deciduous or semi-evergreen. It features elongated, dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers during the summer months. These blooms give way to glossy black berries that develop later in the season.
About the genus
Ligustrum consists of shrubs or small trees that can be either deciduous or evergreen. The leaves are simple and entire, while the plant produces panicles of small white flowers in spring or summer, which may have an unpleasant scent. These flowers are followed by clusters of black or deep purple berries.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligustrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ligustrum vulgare size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe N. Africa SW Asia
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
Pruning and caring for Ligustrum vulgare
- Cultivation
- Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, often found growing wild on chalky soils. Good for hedging
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to privet aphid, scale insects, leaf-mining moths and Thrips
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf spots, honey fungus and Verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligustrum vulgare?
Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, often found growing wild on chalky soils. Good for hedging.
Where is the best place to plant Ligustrum vulgare?
Ligustrum vulgare prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligustrum vulgare need?
Ligustrum vulgare is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Ligustrum vulgare?
Pruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer.
How big does Ligustrum vulgare grow?
Ligustrum vulgare reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Ligustrum vulgare hardy in the UK?
Ligustrum vulgare has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Ligustrum vulgare?
Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings.
Is Ligustrum vulgare good for pollinators?
Yes — Ligustrum vulgare attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Ligustrum vulgare toxic?
Harmful 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.