Ligustrum Buyer's Guide
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Time to read 5 min
Ligustrum shrubs are the perfect choice for home landscapes. These plants can thrive in various conditions, including full sun or partial shade, and they are deer resistant. Their versatility and undemanding nature make them an ideal choice, even for inexperienced gardeners.
In spring, these shrubs are adorned with fragrant white blooms, while during autumn and winter months, they have blueberry-like fruits as decor. These adaptable shrubs are a great choice for just about any yard or garden area.
How big can ligustrum shrubs grow?
Privets are fast-growing, arching, and horizontal-branching shrubs that grow to a height of 10-12 feet and spread to 15 feet wide. They are considered one of the fastest-growing shrubs in the world, capable of growing up to 25 inches each year! This rapid growth rate means that these bushes need frequent pruning to keep them from becoming too large for their allotted space.
They can tolerate a range of soil types, from dry sand to heavy clay, making them suitable for use in areas with poor drainage or flooding issues. It is useful to mention that these plants are incredibly drought tolerant – they require minimal watering, and very little maintenance.
Ligustrum Landscape Uses
You can purchase Ligustrum to create a privacy screen or windbreak. The dense, dark foliage can work as a natural fence, which can be grown as either a series of large shrubs or small trees that form a hedge.
This plant is an excellent choice for screening out unwanted attention in your home. You can also use it as a hedge around your swimming pool and patio. Privets look best when planted in groups of three or more plants, and they should be spaced at least 3 feet (90 cm) apart. This will allow the plants to fill out nicely without crowding each other out!
Taking care of the Ligustrum plants
As we already mentioned, this popular ornamental plant is easy to grow and maintain. However, there are several important things to be aware of before planting it in your garden:
Ligustrum Preferred Sun Exposure
These evergreen bushes prefer full sun or partial shade. The more sun it receives, the greener and thicker your hedge will grow.
Types of Soil
The Privet Ligustrum prefers well-draining soil that's not too acidic or alkaline. If you're planting a new hedge, nourish your soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility. Root rot might appear if this plant’s roots are exposed to standing water for too long.
How much to Water Ligustrum
The ideal watering schedule depends on your climate and growing conditions. To keep this plant healthy, you should water it 2-3 times per week during its first growing season.
Fertilizing Your Ligustrum Shrubs
To ensure healthy growth, you should fertilize your plant twice a year – in spring and late summer. To do this, use 0.7 pounds of 15–5–10 or 15 5 –15 fertilizer for every 100 square feet.
When to Prune Ligustrum
Pruning these plants will help them grow new leaves and branches. The best time to prune these shrubs is right after they flower to avoid shearing off the young buds. When pruning, remove dead wood and any suckers that have sprouted from the base of the plant.
Winter care
Because new plants are vulnerable to hard freezes in the first year, we recommend protecting them from cold temperatures at night. Once it grows, it will be able to adapt to cold weather.
Although some leaf drops may occur in winter, they will be replaced by new growth once spring arrives.
Varieties of Ligustrum Plants We Carry
This plant comes in two variations, both of which have a beautiful wavy leaf pattern, making them an excellent choice for your landscape. Here’s what you need to know about each one:
Sunshine Ligustrum
Ligustrum sinense 'Sunshine' PP20379
Sunshine ligustrum is a beautiful, evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant golden-yellow leaves. It reaches only 3-4 feet wide and grows between 3-6 feet tall, so it's perfect for smaller spaces. Because of its moderate growth rate, you won't need to worry about taking over your yard too quickly.
Sunshine Ligustrum is a non-invasive sport of the Ligustrum sinsense, also known as Chinese privet. It does not flower and it does not produce seeds, meaning that it will not spread in an area or be spread by birds or other wildlife.
This variety needs full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day—and the more sun it gets, the better! This variety does well in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If you're planting a new tree, consider watering it 2-3 times per week for the first growing season to help establish deep root systems.
But this beautiful tree is not only used to enhance the beauty of your yard; you can also use it to create a shaded area for the hot summer days or to brighten up a dull corner of your home with its golden foliage.
USDA Zones: 6a-10a
Wavy Leaf Ligustrum Recurvifolia
Ligustrum japonicum 'Recurvifolium'
The Wavy Leaf Ligustrum variation is a gorgeous shrub that produces wavy green leaves and small white flowers. It's also known as the Japanese Privet or Crinkle Leaf.
This version of ligustrum is considered non-invasive.
This plant can be used in several ways, such as an accent tree, foundation hedge, or privacy screen. It's best to plant it 4-6 feet apart to allow space for the shrub to grow. The Wavy Leaf Recurvifolia is a good choice for people who want to add privacy to their yards. Once it's grown, its minimal maintenance requirements make it convenient to care for.
USDA Zones: 7a-10a
Variegated Privet
Ligustrum sinensis 'Variegatum'
This excellent shrub, also known as the Chinese Variegated Privet, features gorgeous green foliage embellished with a creamy white texture. From spring till mid-summer, you will also enjoy lovely small blooms as well.
When it comes to landscaping, you can use it as a hedge or mid-sized screen, but also as a foundation and accent to your garden. It is incredibly durable, even in drought and high heat. For a perfect outcome, make sure the Variegated Privet is planted 3-4 feet apart.
USDA Zones: 7a- 10b
Why should you get Ligustrum plants for your landscape?
This plant is a great choice if you're looking for a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that will add color and texture to your landscape. It's easy to grow and can tolerate shade, so it's perfect for areas where other plants might struggle.
There are different ways you can use this shrub in your landscape. You can use it as a hedge or screen; it makes a beautiful backdrop for flower beds and pools; you can use it as an accent plant near walkways or patios; or you can even use it to dress up your gate entrance.
If you want to make your landscape more beautiful and fragrant, visit our shop and purchase the Ligustrum bush!
