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Ligustrum sinense 'Wimbei'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A slow-growing, deciduous shrub, to around 1.5m high, with an upright habit and small, oval-shaped dark green leaves to 1cm long. Clusters of small white flowers are sometimes produced in summer, but this cultivar rarely flowers and is predominantly grown for its foliage

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green Black
Winter
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 GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
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
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 sun or partial shade; will not tolerate waterlogging

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer

Pests

May be susceptible to privet aphid, scale insects, leaf miners and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot, honey fungus, virus diseases, Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt

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