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Shrubs

Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Argenteum' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A semi-evergreen shrub, up to around 4m high, with an upright habit and oval green leaves with creamy white margins. Dense clusters of small, strongly scented white flowers are produced in early summer, followed by blue-black berries

Synonyms
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Variegatum'
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Cream White
Summer White Green Cream White
Autumn Green Cream White Blue Black
Winter Green Cream White
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
Semi evergreen or Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

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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

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 honey fungus, white root rot, leaf spots and Verticillium wilt

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