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Ligustrum lucidum

Chinese privet

A small evergreen tree with broadly oval, glossy leaves to 15cm in length, and small, creamy-white flowers in panicles to 15cm in length in summer and early autumn. Fruit a small black berry, seldom formed

Other common names
Chinese wax tree
glossy privet
see moreshining-leaved privet
white wax tree
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 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
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to the UK
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
S & E China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1 in summer

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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