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Ligustrum quihoui

waxyleaf privet

An elegant large deciduous shrub of open habit, with glossy, oval mid-greenleaves to 4cm long, and scented white flowers in panicles to 40cm long in late summer and early autumn, followed by small, glossy purple-black berries

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green Black Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
China, Korea

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or part shade; ideal for hedging

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring; take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1; clip hedges twice in summer

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus or leaf spots (see leaf damage on woody plants) or verticillium wilt

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