Waxleaf Ligustrum

Ligustrum japonicum ‘Texanum’

Other Names: Wax Leaf Ligustrum, Waxleaf Privet, Wax Leaf Privet, Japanese Privet, Amur

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 7b-11 (7a?) Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub or Small Tree

Height at Maturity: 6-12′, depending on pruning

Width at Maturity: 6-8′, depending on pruning

Spacing: 4-6′ for solid hedges; 12’+ for space between plants with no pruning

Flower Color: White

Flower Size: Small in cone-shape clusters

Flowering Period: Spring

Flower Type: Single

Fragrant Flowers: Yes

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: Yes

Berry Color: Black

Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade

Water Needs: Average, Low when established

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained to Dry when established

Soil pH: 6.0 – 8.0 (Moderately Acid to Moderately Alkaline)

Maintenance / Care: Low, Average to High if grown as clipped hedge

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Drought (when established), Heat, Humidity, Insect

Description

The Waxleaf Ligustrum is a handsome, dense, fast-growing evergreen flowering shrub perfect for hedges or privacy screens. Left to grow naturally it might reach 12 feet tall by 8 feet wide but can be kept at half that size with an annual pruning in late winter. It responds very well to pruning for shaping and is often trained into topiary specimens such as globes, pyramids or cones. Lower branches can be removed to form a highly attractive evergreen tree. In early May to June abundant panicles of creamy white fragrant flowers are followed by attractive black berries that persist through winter. The flowers stand out remarkably well against the glossy, dark green leaves. Very heat and drought tolerant!

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 6 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, the Waxleaf Ligustrum is perfect to create a relatively quick evergreen hedge or privacy screen. It responds very well to pruning for hedges as low as 5 feet and various topiary forms ranging from globes and pyramids to pompom. As this Ligustrum grows lower branches can be removed to form a very attractive evergreen flowering focal point specimen tree for use in landscape borders and home foundation plants. A fine addition to fragrance gardens, white theme gardens, Asian theme gardens, and the Xeriscape (low water needs).

Suggested Spacing: 4 to 6 feet apart for solid hedges; 12 feet or more apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

Waxleaf Ligustrum is exceptionally easy to grow in most any moist but well drained soil of average fertility and full sun to light shade. Constantly soggy or wet soils can cause problems with the roots. It prefers a moist but well drained soil in full sun to light shade. Exceptionally drought tolerant when established. Highly resistant to deer, heat, humidity, and insects. No pruning necessary, however can be pruned as a formal hedge or small tree.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts for how to plant and care for Ligustrum and Privet shrubs.

How To Plant Ligustrum & Privet Plants

How To Fertilize Ligustrum And Privet Plants

How To Prune Ligustrum And Privet

Plant Long & Prosper!

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The plants arrived in beautiful condition, as is always my experience with Wilson Bros. I was able to choose the right plant for my location and new gardening needs. My garden has a bright future with the quality of these plants.———————————————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG