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Ligustrum lucidum 'Curly Wurly'

Chinese privet 'Curly Wurly'

'Curly Wurly' is an evergreen shrub or small tree, to 3m tall, with green, curled leaves that are edged in creamy-yellow and may be flushed pink when young. Panicles of small white flowers, borne in late summer, may be followed by black berries

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Cream Green Yellow Variegated
Summer White Cream Green Yellow Variegated
Autumn Cream Green Yellow Variegated Black
Winter Cream Green Yellow Variegated
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 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

Unresolved

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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • 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

Get involved

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