Ligustrum delavayanum

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Ligustrum delavayanum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from August to December. 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 full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Thickets and streamsides, 1000 - 2600 metres in W. China. Thickets or woods on slopes at elevations of 500 - 3700 metres.

E. Asia - W. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Makes a very good medium-sized hedge in the milder areas of the country.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

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. Succeeds in full sun, dappled woodland shade or the full shade of a wall. Plants are not fully hardy outside the milder areas of Britain. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus.

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 Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full 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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. ionandrum. L. prattii.