Ligustrum lucidum 'Excelsum Superbum' (v)
Chinese privet 'Excelsum Superbum'
A small evergreen tree with glossy, ovate leaves mottled with light green and edged with creamy-yellow. Flowers small, cream, in panicles to 20cm in length in late summer and early autumn, followed by black berries
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Cream | Green Yellow | Black | |
| Winter | Green Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained, or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.