The new Sunshine Ligustrum (Ligustrum sinense ‘Sunshine’ PP20379) from the Southern Living Plant Collection completely reinvents the traditional Privet! It’s coveted for its vibrant golden-yellow, evergreen foliage. This is a true landscaping treasure, and once you know it, you’ll recognize it wherever you see it. New growth emerges as a delicate lime green, which does a phenomenal job of awakening the landscape from its winter slumber. This foliage will continuously intensify as spring turns into summer, at which point they will be a gleaming shade of gold. The more sunlight they get, the better. More sun produces more yellow leaves, while less sun results in more yellow-green foliage.
This Ligustrum proves itself to be incredibly versatile. Its compact and upright form makes for a tremendous natural hedge, no pruning required! At maturity, it reaches only 3-6 feet high and 3-4 feet wide.
Consequently, it also lends itself to trimming, if that’s more your speed. Shape this beauty into uniform hedges or small topiaries.
Furthermore, the Sunshine’s petite, oval leaves are perfect for shaping into hard edges. Try a mass planting for a truly impressive display.
Besides being a true beauty, this shrub is drought and heat tolerant, as well as deer resistant. In ideal conditions, it lives up to 30 years!
Sunshine Ligustrum Care
Hardy from USDA Zones 6-10. Therefore, once fully established, it’s capable of withstanding temperatures between -5° and -10° F.
Plant this variety in Full Sun, with 6+ hours being preferable.
Ensure that your plant has well-draining soil. Ligustrum are particularly susceptible to root rot from standing water. Water new plantings 2-3 times per week for the first growing season to help them establish deep root systems.
Fertilize with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer yearly in spring. Alternatively, use a balanced organic fertilizer coupled with a layer of compost to get your plants off on the right foot.
How to Plant:
- First, determine your planting location(s) for your Sunshine Ligustrum.
- Then, dig a hole three times the width of your plant’s rootball.
- The hole should be deep enough that the top of the plant’s root ball is even with or slightly above the ground.
- Mix your native soil with a bag or two of rich garden soil or composted manure to provide additional nutrients for your growing plant.
- If your soil is clay-rich, we recommend mixing pine bark in with your native soil at a ratio of about 1:1. This helps to improve the drainage and breathability around the plant’s roots.
- Fill the hole back in around your plant with your soil mixture.
- Afterward, we recommend applying 3-4 inches of wood mulch around the base of your plant to help it retain moisture.
- Soak your new planting to settle the soil and hydrate your plant.
Spacing Recommendations
Plant 2 to 2.5 feet apart for a seamless planting. For space between your Sunshine Ligustrum, plant 4+ feet apart.
Winter Care
- We recommend providing overnight coverage during hard freezes for the first growing season. In future winters, it will be more prepared to deal with the cold weather in your area.
- Cover it with a freeze cloth, blanket, or tarp overnight when temperatures are most extreme and there is no sun to warm the plant. Remove the cover in the morning. If you’re going to have multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures, just leave the cover on the ground in front of or next to your plant and place it back over the plant the next night.
- Some leaf drop may occur in winter, however, new growth will replace it in spring.
- If you’re planning on pruning/trimming your plant, wait until the threat of frost has passed in spring.
Popular Companion Plants
- Sunshine contrasts with other plants very easily. Therefore, it’s simple to put together a fantastic display with it. Try it with the Purple Diamond Loropetalum. Both of these varieties have characteristically bold foliage that will really POP when planted together. Otherwise, plant it with an Oakland Holly Tree. The Oakland’s statuesque growth provides a reliable and attractive accent.
- It also looks great when paired nearly all Encore Azaleas. The Autumn Fire Encore Azalea, in particular, is a dynamite companion. It has dark foliage and bold red blooms that contrasts beautifully with the petite yellow leaves.
Still need some inspiration? Check out this Southern Living Plant Collection Garden Project featuring the Orange Rocket Barberry.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Is the Sunshine Ligustrum Invasive?”
No! This plant is sterile. Therefore, it won’t flower or reproduce in your landscape. This is also good news for allergy sufferers that normally fall victim to ligustrum pollen.
“If it isn’t invasive like other Privet/Ligustrum, can it be shipped to Tennessee?”
Unfortunately, no. Although this plant isn’t invasive, it is still not legal for it to be shipped to Tennessee.
“Is Sunshine Ligustrum Deer Resistant?”
Sort of. It’s certainly not a deer’s preferred meal, however, it isn’t deer-proof. If a starving deer comes through your yard, it may still decide to munch on your Sunshine. Very few plants are genuinely safe from a particularly hungry deer. Boxwoods are one of the few exceptions, as deer tend to find them repulsive.
“Why is my plant more lime-green than yellow?”
New, fresh growth tends to be more lime-green before maturing to yellow, so this could be the issue. However, if the growth isn’t new, oftentimes it’s because your plant isn’t getting enough sun. Try to provide at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. All-day filtered sun can work as well if the sunlight is very lightly filtered.
“One part of my plant is growing dark green.”
This is rare but it does happen from time to time. This plant was selectively cultivated from the traditional Ligustrum sinense to have the gorgeous color and compact growth habit that it’s known for. However, since it still has the original plants genetics in it, every once in a while, a branch may start to exhibit the traditional dark green color. If this happens, it’s easily fixed. Simply snip the green branch at its base, where it meets up with the correct yellow-leafed stems. The plant will fill in around it with the correct growth.
Why Buy Sunshine Ligustrum Online from PlantsbyMail.com?
We love the Sunshine Ligustrum and we know you will too. We carefully grow these beauties to ensure they’re happy and healthy. Then, we pick out the best ones, carefully package them, and ship them straight to you. Not happy with your order? Contact us at 1-866-618-5659 or email us at [email protected]. We’ll quickly address your case and do whatever we can to make it right.
ericrgrant (verified owner) –
I love these! Arrived healthy and responding very well since planting.
Claire Ellerbe (verified owner) –
I am so pleased with this purchase. The plants were all healthy and arrived well-packaged. They have new growth and are looking great! Wonderful customer service too.
Team PBM –
Thank you for your kind words and for being our customer!
Ron Springate (verified owner) –
Arrived on time and in very good condition.
Bright and healthy plants!
chdahlke (verified owner) –
Arrived quickly and in good shape. I’ve placed them in the landscape and cannot wait to see them grow!
mbtyson43 (verified owner) –
When I opened the box containing this healthy plant, I was overjoyed. But, I’m waiting to order larger (2 gallon) plants and feel secure that the plants will be in great shape.
Barbara P (verified owner) –
Arrived in excellent condition and planted immediately. It looks beautiful
Rebecca Hoyos (verified owner) –
Fast and fresh delivery
fulmerwillis (verified owner) –
This plant is so bright it is almost glowing. It looks fantastic in the front yard along the driveway. Easy to care for – just plant and enjoy!
mastergardener6606 (verified owner) –
Great plant and will plant in a container to start. Arrived well packaged and quickly.
James Robbins (verified owner) –
Compliments purple.
Kimberly Campbell –
All plants arrived in excellent packaging and were in wonderful condition. I now only order mail order plants from Plants by Mail. The prices for Ligustrums on this site are priced less than any local shop. These shrubs have become one of my favorite shrubs, they are doing remarkably well in our SC soil. I love the bright color to mix in with areas of a lot of green and best of all the deer leave these alone.
Norman J Bartee (verified owner) –
All of my plants shipped in their wonderful boxes were in GREAT shape! Thanks a bundle! They have settled in quite good! I love them and will order more!!$
don (verified owner) –
Healthly hardy plant shipped sturdily. Plant thriving after two weeks.
Ann Kammerer (verified owner) –
Gorgeous sunny color. Arrived quickly and in great condition with excellent packaging.
Norman Bartee (verified owner) –
Thanks for the beautiful plants that were not dead or wilted! they were here before I was ready to plant them, but I did. I planted them in front of my loropetalum. They look GREAT together! I Will order more, so be ready!!$
Jeannine Sindlinger (verified owner) –
Very happy with these plants, very healthy and look great in my containers. The plants were packaged very well for shipping. Very pleased.
mkchan25 (verified owner) –
So impressed with PBM and these shrubs! As always I received healthy full-size items. Mine are growing in a natural cone shape which works good as foundation anchors.
Sonya Powell –
I ordered over (30) ligustrum plants. They all arrived very quickly and packaged well. All of the plants are beautiful and growing well in my front yard.
Jennifer Jones (verified owner) –
These arrived in great shape. I haven’t had them planted for long, but no problems so far.
Glenn Sutherland (verified owner) –
Plant was large and healthy.
RK (verified owner) –
The plant was very beautiful out of the box. Very happy with the purchase.
zibelin (verified owner) –
These were packed perfectly. Not a single broken branch. I could not have hand picked plants that would have pleased me any more than these did.
caree01 (verified owner) –
Very nice plant! Packed very well, arrived with moist soil and undamaged. This is my 2nd purchase and highly recommend Plants by Mail.
Joyce W (verified owner) –
Purchased 7 of the 2 gallon Sunshine Ligustrum plants, ordering them in two separate orders! Both orders came in looking big and beautiful and very healthy!! Already a nice yellow green shade! Will be ordering from you again!
Catherine (verified owner) –
These plants arrived healthy and vigorous. They add lovely bright spots to my yard. I have planted some in a group and others singly and all look great and add visual interest to the yard. Very happy with this purchase.
Carolyn Duncan (verified owner) –
Very impressed with this company, all plants are very healthy and can’t wait to order more!
Jana Harris (verified owner) –
I would definitely order from Plants By Mail again! These bushes came in great shape and a good size for the money.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Healthy plants on arrival at my home. Plants are thriving since planting. Very pleased with customer service.
Bernadette –
Very pleased with delivery. Will order again.
Harry Ortiz (verified owner) –
Spectacular, golden jewel! The Sunshine Ligustrum I received was larger and fuller than I was expecting. It glows in my garden. I could not be happier than my purchase from Plantbymail!
Sandra Bartholomew (verified owner) –
Plants arrived in great condition and still look fabulous 2 weeks later.
Tonia (verified owner) –
They came quickly and are full and look great! Beautiful addition to my yard. I will certainly use plants by mail again!
Carolyn (verified owner) –
I am impressed! I have order online before, but no other plants were as healthy or as well packaged as these three beautiful 3 gallon plants. The delivery service gave the boxes a rough ride, but your packaging held up great. I will order again.
Steve (verified owner) –
Bought 21 plants. Came On Time and ALL in PERFECT condition.
Bren (verified owner) –
I received the plants in perfect condition! I can’t wait to get them in my garden!
rtorre02 (verified owner) –
This is a stunning little shrub. I have it in combination with Purple Loropetalum. Photos don’t do this plant justice. The moment I opened my shipping box the vivid color amazed me.
spencerjan12 (verified owner) –
The best plants I have ever received. Nice healthy plants and packing is superb. Highly recommend Plants By Mail – Southern Living.
colleen (verified owner) –
Plants arrived quickly and in excellent condition. I will be ordering more plants
sleeb5 (verified owner) –
Sorry, on my previous review, I meant the 2.5 QUART wasn’t as impressive…the 2 gal ones were awesome!
sleeb5 (verified owner) –
The 2.5 quart ligustrum was a bit lop-sided, and not as impressive as 2 gal ones, but should do fine when planted. Very healthy well-packaged.
sleeb5 (verified owner) –
These large Sunshine ligustrum are just beautiful and healthy! Packaging was great! All delivered within a few days.The 2.5 gal wasn’t as impressive, but should grow fine.
Thomas (verified owner) –
Sunshine Ligustrum arrived in fantastic shape and was well cared for. Great color and branch structure. We are well please and a great addition to our clients landscape project.
DRiojas (verified owner) –
The leaves on these shrubs are very beautiful. When placed near bushes or shrubs with deep green leaves, the contrast of the yellow to light green leaves really stand out.
It stunning.
Martha Johnson –
The color contrasts with other green plants in the landscaping. Has grown a lot in the 2 years. I am very pleased with the plant and the condition of the plant when it arrived
Kwant1951 (verified owner) –
delivered timely and in great shape!
twiles1024 (verified owner) –
Plants came in great condition. I will be purchasing from them again.
Thomas (verified owner) –
Shrubs arrived in excellent shape and we are very pleased with how full the shrubs were. We will sure be back to purchase more shrubs! Thank you.
Ashley.Lauw (verified owner) –
The plant came in good condition with moist soil. The leaves and branches looked healthy and had beautiful color. Very pleased.
Karen Rogers –
Very nice plants, well packed and quickly shipped. Recommend!!
Anonymous –
Really nice plants and excellent shipping package! There was no soil outside the plastic plant container. Delivery was excellent.
Anonymous –
These plants were very nice & compared to any you would buy from a local nursery. They were packaged very well for shipping. My only complaint is that they did appear to be repotted before shipment, roots exposed