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Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (v)
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

golden privet

A dense, large evergreen shrub of erect habit with oval, rich yellow leaves sometimes marked green in the centre. Flowers small, dull white, in small panicles. Fruit a small glossy black berry

Synonyms
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureomarginatum'
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Variegated
Summer White Green Yellow Variegated
Autumn Green Yellow Variegated Black
Winter Green Yellow Variegated
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–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
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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, leaf-mining moths and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

Get involved

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