Basic Ligustrum Information

Ligustrum, or Privet, is found in many species and cultivars with a diversity of leaf colors, leaf forms, and growth habits. All are tolerant of heavy pruning. The attractive white flowers bloom during late spring and early summer.

Family: Oleaceae

Lighting: Part shade to full sun

Temperature: Ligustrum requires adequate water to keep from drying out and remaining dry.

Feeding: Use an all-purpose fertilizer

Pruning & Wiring: Branching can be encouraged by pinching the stems

Propogation: Cuttings, graftings, and seeds

Repotting: The tree needs annual repotting. Not particular about the type of soil, however, it should be well drained.

Pests & Diseases: Aphids, scale, whitefly and spider mites can infest the plant. Diseases include leaf spot and root rot.

Some Species Suitable for Bonsai:

• L. japonicum – Japanese or wax privet
• L. lucidum – Glossy privet (grows rapidly)
• L. sinense – Chinese privet
• L. sinense ‘Variegata’ – has small white-to-yellow variegated leaves that get up to 1.5-3 inches
• L. japonicum var. roundifolium, also called L. recurvifolium – slow growing, upright with round leaves