Common Privet
ligustrum ovalifolium
Also known as: ["California privet","Japanese privet"]
Overview
A hardy, evergreen shrub native to Japan and Korea, often used for hedges and screens due to its dense foliage and fast growth.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Genus: | Ligustrum |
| Botanical Name: | Ligustrum ovalifolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed, hedge, or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining soil with organic matter; a mix of loam, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, or as needed to maintain desired shape and size.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on the desired shape and size of the hedge or shrub.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though tolerates some shade especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor for leaf scorch, provide shade during peak heat, rotate plants for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, amend with organic matter, check pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; tolerates temperatures between -20°F to 100°F (-29°C to 38°C); prefers moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Protect from frost, water deeply before cold snaps, avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth, water well after application, avoid over-fertilizing which can burn roots.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or a well-draining potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants can be transplanted after one growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, peat and perlite mix, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems, keep soil consistently moist, provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or bud; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood; best done after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, hedge shears, pruning saw (for larger branches).
Checklist
Clean tools, identify cuts, prune selectively, remove debris, sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, trim roots, position plant, water well, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or browning in excessive heat, leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown, growth slows, and branches may die back in severe cold without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base, wrap with burlap in extreme cold, avoid wet soil which exacerbates cold damage.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and potential leaf drop due to excessive heat and water loss.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering frequency, use mulch to retain soil moisture, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, water after application, monitor for signs of over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a light feeding in midsummer if needed; avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Ligustrum ovalifolium berries, which contain glycosides and saponins. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity, requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to toxicity from the berries of Ligustrum ovalifolium due to the presence of glycosides and saponins. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other systemic effects, particularly in smaller or more sensitive breeds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe berries of Ligustrum ovalifolium contain glycosides and saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The physiological impact includes irritation of the digestive tract and potential absorption of toxic compounds into the bloodstream.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ligustrum ovalifolium suitable for hedges?
A: Yes, it is commonly used for hedges and screens due to its dense growth habit.
Q: Is it toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should it be pruned?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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