Ligustrum japonicum, known as wax-leaf privet or Japanese privet is a species of Ligustrum native to Japan and Korea. It is widely cultivated in other regions, and is naturalized in California and in the southeastern United States.
Japanese privet Care
Ligustrum japonicum
Other names: Wax Leaf Privet
What is the plant
Japanese privet is a large evergreen shrub or small tree that grows rapidly up to 3' in the sun to partial shade. It is dense and upright, drought and salt spray tolerant, can tolerate being pruned heavily, and grows in a range of soil conditions (except constantly wet). It flowers in late spring and has an odor that is offensive to many people. It has lustrous, dark green foliage and is frequently planted around buildings and pruned to a "giant meatball" shape. It can be grown as a small tree. It produces toxic berries. Japanese privet is weedy in disturbed areas around buildings and has escaped and naturalized in moist areas. It works in the landscape as an evergreen ornamental shrub, however, it does not work well as a foundation plant. It is tolerant of alkaline soils, pollution, shade, dry conditions, and it cold hardy.
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Lighting
Full Sun
Hardiness zone
7a - 10b
Difficulty
Easy
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water Japanese privet shrubs weekly to a 1-inch depth during their first year in the garden. Decrease water to every 10 to 14 days once the shrub is established. Withhold watering during rainy weather. Increase water during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Water Japanese privet shrubs from the base rather than from overhead to decrease the chances of pest infestations.
Fertilizer
Feed Japanese privet shrubs with a general purpose 15-15-15 ratio fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply the fertilizer around the roots of the shrub and work it into the top 2 inches of soil. Water to a 4-inch depth after feeding.
Sunlight
Grow Japanese privet where it will receive full sun. Provide light shade if growing it in a hot inland location. Avoid growing large, overhanging shrubbery or trees near Japanese privet because dim lighting conditions will cause leggy growth.
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Soil
These plant can tolerate any fast-draining soil.
Temperature
The plant can be grown in regions with winter temperatures down to -15°C (5°F).
Popularity
2,162 people already have this plant 213 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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