Ligustrum japonicum Green Century ('Melgreen'PBR)
Japanese privet [Green Century]
An evergreen shrub to around 2m high, with an upright habit and oval to elliptic, glossy mid-green leaves to 10cm long. Clusters of small, strongly scented white flowers are produced in early summer, followed by blue-black berries
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Blue Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handlingHarmful 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
- 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
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by hardwood cuttings in winter. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer
Pests
May be susceptible to privet aphid, willow scale insects, lilac leaf-mining moth and privet thrips
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot, honey fungus, virus diseases, Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt
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