Ligustrum lucidum

Ligustrum lucidum, more commonly known as the glossy privet, is a perennial shrub or small tree that is native to China and has been naturalized in many places.  Gleaming, elliptical, dark green leaves grow in an opposite pattern along the glossy privet's densely packed stems and branches.  Commonly desired for its application as a privacy hedge, the glossy privet performs the role well due to its fast growth rate, dense evergreen foliage, and significant potential growth height of up to 40 ft /  12 m.  Panicles of creamy-white blooms are produced in the summer, and they give rise to tiny purple berries that remain throughout the winter.  All parts of the glossy privet are toxic, including the berries.  In spite of their toxicity, parts of the glossy privet plant have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.  

Though a location that receives copious sunshine can provide faster growth, the glossy privet can grow robustly in most light conditions.  Regular weekly watering is necessary to help establish a newly planted glossy privet. Once established, it should only need minimal watering, except during extended dry spells.  Any well-draining soil is suitable for the glossy privet, so mix in some peat moss into your garden soil when planting.  Fertilize in the early spring when the plant is still growing, but the glossy privet should only be fertilized every three years after becoming established.  Do the majority of the pruning in late winter or early spring while the plant is dormant, and try to cut any dead branches as flush with the trunk as possible.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water sparingly, allowing the mix to nearly dry out between watering.