Ligustrum ovalifolium Privet PFAF Plant Database

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Ligustrum ovalifolium - Hassk.

Common Name

Privet

Family

Oleaceae

Synonyms

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is recorded as being mildly toxic and it is quite possible that other members of the genus also contain toxins[65].

Habitats

Thickets near the sea in C. and S. Japan[58].

Range

E. Asia - Japan.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Ligustrum ovalifolium is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.


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Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses
None known

Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. None known

Other Uses
Hedge; Hedge. A very good hedge plant, succeeding in maritime exposure and in many difficult situations. Very amenable to heavy trimming but fairly slow growing, especially when in an exposed position[11, 29]. It can take 9 - 10 years to make a 3 metres tall hedge in exposed positions[75]. The cultivars 'Aureum' and 'Argenteum' are especially recommended[200].

Cultivation details

A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished[11]. Dislikes very alkaline soils[202]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in dark corners or places starved by tree roots[11, 182]. Shade tolerant, established plants also tolerate drought[200]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[202]. They can be cut back to the ground in very severe winters but usually resprout from the base[200]. Plants are often deciduous in cold winters, when grown in poor soils, near the coast or in an exposed position. A moderately fast-growing plant[202], though it is also very greedy, robbing the surrounding soil of more nutrients and moisture than most hedging plants[200]. Some named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[182, 200]. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].

Propagation

The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame[113]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy[78]. Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in November/December. High percentage[78].

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Expert comment

Author
Hassk.

Botanical References
1158200

Links / References

[11]Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.

A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.

[29]Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens.

A small but informative booklet giving details of all the hedging plants being grown in the R.H.S. gardens at Wisley in Surrey.

[58]Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation)

The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.

[75]Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges.

A small booklet packed with information on trees and shrubs for hedging and shelterbelts in exposed maritime areas.

[78]Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.

A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.

[113]Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation.

A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader.

[182]Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos.

Contains a wide range of plants with a brief description, mainly of their ornamental value but also usually of cultivation details and varieties.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[202]Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs.

Contains information on 2,000 species and cultivars, giving details of cultivation requirements. The text is terse but informative.

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Subject : Ligustrum ovalifolium

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