Chinese Privet
Ligustrum sinense
Family: Oleaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Vase.
Ligustrum sinense is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Thin woods and thickets in lowland and hills all over Japan. Mixed forests, valleys, along streams, thickets, woods, ravines at elevations of 200 - 2600 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The bark is used as an antipyretic.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 3
Much cultivated as a hedge and screen plant in N. America.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Hedge, Standard, Specimen. A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished or water-logged. Grows well in heavy clay soils. This species has become a problematic invader of native habitats in N. America, becoming the dominant understorey shrub in some areas. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame. 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. Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in November/December. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
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.