Wax-Leaf Ligustrum
Ligustrum japonicum
The Wax Leaf Ligustrum can be grown as either a tree or a shrub. When grown as a shrub, this evergreen is a great solution for small areas with restricted space requirements. They react well to pruning, making it easy to manipulate the plant’s shape. They are equally beautiful if they are allowed to maintain their natural growth form with minimal pruning.
Ligustrum are tough enough to adapt to most soil types, resist most pests, and withstand moderate drought and salt. They boast dark green, lustrous foliage with an aromatic flower display in late spring or early summer.
Ligustrum produce fleshy, oval, purple-black fruit. In Spring and Summer, they flower with showy clusters of off white, trumpet-shaped blooms.
They may be grown as as a containerized planting, a buffer strip or tall formal hedge, a topiary, rock garden planting, seashore planting, foundation planting for large buildings, highway medians, or landscape specimen.
Ligustrum earn their popularity with their ability to thrive in multiple environmental conditions, accommodate diverse space requirements, and their exceptional aesthetic appeal across many applications.
Ornamental Characteristics:
Native Origin:
Japan and Korea
Common Names:
Japanese Privet, Wax-Leaf Privet, Ligustrum
Description:
Hardy Range: 7B to 10B
Mature Height: 8’ to 10’
Mature Spread: 4’ to 6’
Growth Rate: 5 years to maturity, faster growth when
young, slowing with age
Form: rounded, spreading or horizontal and vase shaped
Persistence: evergreen
Ornamental Characteristics:
Blooms appear in Spring and Summer and are white and showy with an unusual fragrance. The foliage is attractive and dark glossy green. The fruit forms in clusters of black and blue berries and is fleshy, oval, persistent, and edible by birds.
Environment:
Soil: sandy, loamy, clay; acidic; neutral and basic alkaline soils
Salt: medium
Exposure: partial sun to full sun
