The Weeping Privet, known botanically as Ligustrum sinense ‘Pendulum’, is a distinctive ornamental shrub or small tree prized for its elegant, cascading form. Its graceful, pendulous branches create a unique aesthetic, making it a popular choice in various landscape designs. This natural arching habit gives it its “weeping” designation.
Understanding Weeping Privet
Weeping Privet’s distinctive “weeping” appearance comes from its branches naturally arching and cascading downwards. It typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, though some can reach 10 feet, creating a soft, cloud-like presence.
Its foliage is generally green and can be evergreen or semi-evergreen, depending on climate. In spring or early summer, it produces small, fragrant white flowers in terminal clusters. These blooms are followed by small, dark, berry-like fruits that mature to black. While berries attract birds, they are not edible and can be toxic if ingested by humans or pets.
Planting and Cultivation
Weeping Privet thrives in full sun (at least six hours daily) but tolerates partial shade. Adequate sunlight promotes better foliage color and more abundant flowering. It adapts to various soil types but performs best in well-draining soil. While it tolerates various soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to alkaline, a neutral pH is often preferred.
When planting, loosen the soil and incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and fertility. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than its depth. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above the surrounding soil level. Backfill the hole, gently tamp to remove air pockets, and then water thoroughly. For new plantings, space individual plants 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on the desired density.
Regular watering is important, especially for newly planted specimens, to help them establish. Young plants benefit from deep weekly watering. Once established, Weeping Privet becomes more drought-tolerant, but supplemental watering during extended dry periods or high heat maintains its health and vigor. Fertilization supports healthy growth; apply a slow-release granular fertilizer for trees and shrubs in early spring. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 15-5-10 or 4-3-4 N-P-K formula, promotes dense, glossy foliage.
Pruning for Weeping Form and Plant Health
Pruning is important for maintaining the distinctive weeping form and overall health of Ligustrum sinense ‘Pendulum’. While light pruning can be done year-round for touch-ups, more significant structural pruning is best in late winter or early spring before new growth. This timing allows the plant to recover and direct energy into desired growth.
To enhance the weeping habit, thin crowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Promptly remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches by cutting them back to healthy wood or the plant’s base. Selectively remove upright branches that deviate from the weeping form. Regular, lighter pruning is preferable to infrequent, heavy pruning, as it helps maintain the plant’s shape and health without undue stress.
Potential Concerns and Considerations
While Weeping Privet is attractive, be aware that Ligustrum sinense can be invasive in certain regions. Chinese privet is problematic in many areas, particularly the eastern and southern United States, where it outcompetes native plants and forms dense thickets. Its invasiveness is often due to prolific seed production, dispersed by birds, and its ability to spread through suckers. Responsible planting practices, such as choosing non-invasive alternatives, are important where the species is known to be invasive.
Weeping Privet is generally robust, but it can encounter common pests and diseases. Pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects may affect the plant. Aphids cause leaves to curl and become sticky, while spider mites lead to yellow spots and webbing. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot can also occur, often appearing as a white, powdery coating or discolored spots. Ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning helps mitigate fungal risks.