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Ligustrum lucidum 'Tricolor' (v)
  • RHS AGM

Conical evergreen tree or shrub to 10m tall, with narrow, oval, green and grey-green leaves margined creamy-white, pink-tinged when young, and bearing small white flowers in panicles to 20cm, late summer and autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green Cream
Summer White Grey Silver Green Cream
Autumn White Grey Silver Green Cream
Winter Grey Silver Green Cream
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun pr partial shade but better leaf colour in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1; in summer; clip hedges twice in summer

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, lilac leaf miner and privet thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot

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