Ligustrum obtusifolium
A vigorous deciduous shrub, to around 3m high, with a spreading habit and elliptic to oval, slightly glossy green leaves that often tint purple in autumn. Hanging clusters of small, scented, tubular white flowers are produced in summer, followed by round, blue-black berries
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Bronze Purple | Black | ||
| Winter |
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
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- 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
- E China, Korea, Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; will not tolerate waterlogging
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by semi-hardwood 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, 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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