Ligustrum japonicum

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese privet

Synonyms

Ligustrum lucidum 'Japonicum'

Shrubs Trees

A handsome, upright evergreen shrub or small tree, to 3m in height if grown as a shrub. The leaves are dark green, waxy and can be up to 10cm long. It bears conical sprays of small, scented, off-white flowers from mid-summer to early autumn, which are followed by lax clusters of small, round, black berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Correct
Plant Range
SE China, Korea, Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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