Ligustrum, commonly known as privet, is a common genus of plants used in landscaping. Valued for adaptability and resilience, they are a popular choice for many garden settings. Their dense foliage creates privacy screens and structured garden elements.
Understanding Ligustrum Varieties
The Ligustrum genus encompasses a wide array of plant types, offering diverse characteristics that suit different landscaping needs. These varieties can be evergreen, maintaining their leaves year-round, or deciduous, shedding foliage seasonally. Their growth habits also vary significantly, appearing as shrubs or even small trees.
Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is a popular evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves. It grows large, suitable for hedges or specimen plants. California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a semi-evergreen shrub, favored for hedges due to consistent green foliage. Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a multi-stemmed shrub. Varieties differ in leaf size, growth rate, and form, influencing their use in formal hedges or naturalized plantings.
Planting and General Care
Proper site selection is important for Ligustrum’s establishment. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, needing at least four to five hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal foliage. Though tolerant of various soil types, well-draining soil is preferred to prevent root rot. Amending soil with organic matter like compost improves drainage and fertility.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. Position the plant with the root ball top level with or slightly above ground for settling. Water thoroughly to settle soil around roots.
Newly planted Ligustrum needs consistent deep watering, two to three times weekly during the first season, allowing topsoil to dry slightly. Once established, most varieties are drought tolerant, but benefit from supplemental watering during dry spells. Fertilize in spring and late summer with a slow-release shrub food or all-purpose organic fertilizer for healthy growth.
Pruning Ligustrum
Pruning influences Ligustrum’s appearance and health. Though not strictly required for survival, Ligustrum responds well to pruning and can be shaped into formal hedges, topiary, or small trees. Light trimming of stray or damaged branches can be done anytime. For significant shaping or size reduction, such as rejuvenation pruning, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth, or immediately after flowering.
For hedges, regular, light shearing maintains shape and density. Keep the hedge base slightly wider than the top to ensure lower branches receive sunlight and remain full. To thin natural shrub forms, selectively remove crossed, rubbing, or overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Rejuvenation pruning for overgrown plants involves cutting the entire plant back to six to twelve inches from the ground, or removing one-third of the height and oldest canes over three years. Use appropriate tools:
Pruning shears for smaller branches.
Loppers for branches up to two inches in diameter.
Pruning saws for thicker limbs.
Disinfect tools to prevent disease.
Common Problems and Considerations
Ligustrum can face common pests and diseases. Pests like aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and whiteflies infest plants, feeding on sap and causing distorted growth or leaf discoloration. Diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot appear as fungal growth or spots. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering reduce fungal disease incidence.
Consider Ligustrum’s environmental impact. Several species, including Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) and Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), are invasive in many regions, especially the eastern and southern United States. These invasive species outcompete native vegetation, forming dense thickets that disrupt ecosystems. They spread easily via prolific seeds (often bird-dispersed) and root suckers. Before planting, check local regulations and consider native alternatives that offer similar benefits without ecological harm.