Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'

 

  Waxleaf Privet

  Family: Oleaceae

  Origin: Native to Japan

Hardiness: Hardy in Zones 7, 8, 9 and 10
Growth: Moderate growth rate to 6 to 9 feet with equal spread
Form: Mounded form; old plants can reach 20 feet

 

This plant has thick, dark green, glossy, oval leaves 2 inches long. The new growth in the spring is a light green. The leaves turn dark green and leathery as they mature.

 

  Clusters of small creamy white,
  fragrant flowers in the spring

 

 

  Black 'berries' in the fall
  are attractive to birds

Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Water: Water deeply at least once a month in the summer
Soil: Soil should be well drained
Fertilizer: Spring or fall with a complete fertilizer plus iron
Prune: To maintain shape, though easily sheared to any form
Problems: Scale insects can be a problem

Very useful for hedges, whether natural or sheared, though sheared hedges may not flower. This is the most popular Privet in California gardens. This ligustrum requires pruning only once or twice a year. Prune after the plant flowers. Prune again in late summer. Privet is related to lilac, both being in the Olive Family (Oleaceae). Both plants have fragrant flowers on long spikes.

See also Ligustrum ovalifolium and Ligustrum japonicum.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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