Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)

Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a popular evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to China and Taiwan. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world due to its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Chinese Privet, including its characteristics, growing requirements, care tips, propagation methods, and common problems.

Common nameChinese Privet
Botanical nameLigustrum sinense
FamilyOleaceae
Speciessinense
OriginEurasia
Life cycleWoody
Plant typePerennial
Hardiness zone6, 7, 8, 9
SunlightDappled Sunlight
MaintenanceHigh
Soil phAlkaline
Growth rateFast
Harvest timeSummer
Flowering periodSpring
Height6 ft. 6 in. – 15 ft.
Width6 ft. 6 in. – 15 ft.
Flower colorWhite
Leaf colorGreen
Fruit colorBlack
Stem colorGold, Yellow
Fruit typeBerry
Fruit benefitShowy

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet; syn. L. villosum; in Mandarin: 杻; pinyin: chǒu) is a species of privet native to China, Taiwan and Vietnam, and naturalized in Réunion, the Andaman Islands, Norfolk Island, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panamá and much of the eastern and southern United States (from Texas and Florida north to Kansas, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut). The name “Chinese privet” may also refer to Ligustrum lucidum.

Ligustrum sinense is a deciduous shrub growing to 2–7 m tall, with densely hairy shoots. The leaves are opposite, 2–7 cm long and 1–3 cm broad, rarely larger, with an entire margin and a 2–8 mm petiole. The flowers are white, with a four-lobed corolla 3.5–5.5 mm long. The fruit is subglobose, 5–8 mm diameter, and considered poisonous.

Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Ligustrum sinense kz2 Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz CC BY-SA 4.0

It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and for hedges. Several cultivars have been selected, including the very floriferous ‘Multiflorum’, the variegated cultivar ‘Variegatum’, and the dwarf cultivar ‘Wimbei’ growing to 0.5 m and with leaves only 6 mm long.

It was introduced to North America to be used for hedges and landscaping where it has now escaped from cultivation and is listed as an invasive plant in southeastern states. It is estimated that Chinese privet now occupies over one million hectares of land across 12 states ranging from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas, with detrimental effects to biodiversity and forest health.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Chinese privet likes sufficient sunlight and can tolerate some shade. It is best planted in a location that avoids shade from tall trees or buildings.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant thrives in warm, moist environments with temperatures around 68°F to 85°F. While relatively drought-tolerant, privet that does not retain enough moisture will grow slower and produce less foliage, flowers, and berries. Humidity is not as crucial to privet as other conditions.

Watering

The mature chinese privet is somewhat drought tolerant and therefore requires less water. Ensure that the soil moisture is about 20% wet, not too dry or muddy. Water when the soil is dry, and once before winter.

It is important to avoid watering seedlings excessively, because too much water can easily lead to pests and diseases. Spray water daily on the seedlings in the early morning or late afternoon, as midday watering can damage the root system. Chinese privet has a certain tolerance to salt and alkali, so there is no special requirement on the pH of the water. Tap water, rain water, or distilled water will do.

Soil

Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Ligustrum sinense penjing JB Cephas CC BY-SA 3.0

Chinese privet grows well in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a suitable pH range of 6-7.5. It is best planted in deep, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained sandy loam or clay. It is very adaptable to soil and has a certain tolerance to salt and alkali. It is not picky about soil as long as the soil is slightly moist and not dry or wet.

Fertilizing

Chinese privet does not have high requirements for fertilization. You can apply organic fertilizer twice each spring and autumn to encourage lush foliage and bright leaves. In summer, when the temperature is higher than 30 ℃ you should stop fertilization to prevent the dormant plants from root rot due to poor absorption. You should also stop fertilization during winter dormancy. When transplanting in spring, you can apply an organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer to increase soil temperature and promote plant growth.

Pruning

Chinese privet branches grow very fast, and need to be pruned 2-3 times a year. As a shrub, it can be pruned into various shapes. In summer, cut off branches that hinder the normal growth of the main branch, including unnecessary, messy, diseased, weak, and downward- or inward-growing branches. Prune again in winter and cut the main branch slightly shorter. Excessive pruning can cause slow growth or even death, so prune judiciously.

Propagation

Cuttings

Privets quickly propagate from softwood cuttings. Select branches before they harden between May and July for best results. Water privets the day before selecting cuttings to protect the roots. Here is how to propagate privets through cuttings:

  • Select a six-inch softwood cutting with at least three leaves and use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut below the leaf node. Remove excess flowers, buds, and fruit.
  • Fill a plastic container with potting soil and make small holes with your finger or a pencil.
  • Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone and place it in the potting mixture. Gently pack the soil around the cutting.
  • Water the container so the soil is moist but well-draining, and cover it with a plastic bag to encourage heat. Place the cuttings in a warm location, but not in direct sunlight, and continue watering as roots establish.
  • Wait for roots to establish. New leaf growth will emerge in two to eight weeks. To see if roots have established, gently tug on cuttings—you will feel a slight resistance.
  • Transplant new growth to its final location and continue caring for cuttings.

Seed

Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
山指甲(小蠟樹) Ligustrum sinense [香港青衣公園 Tsing Yi Park, Hong Kong] 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide CC BY-SA 2.0

Collect ripe berries in the fall and remove the pulp by washing them thoroughly in water. Dry the seeds for a few days, then plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them well. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which may take several weeks.

Layering

Select a low-growing branch on the Chinese Privet plant and bend it down to the ground. Scrape the bark on the underside of the branch where it touches the soil and apply rooting hormone powder. Cover the wounded area with soil and anchor the branch to the ground with a wire or stake. Keep the soil moist and wait for the branch to develop roots, which may take several months. Once the roots have formed, cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant it to a new location.

Overwintering

The level of winter care depends on your climate. Warmer regions will require less maintenance than areas that experience fluctuating temperatures. While the ‘Sunshine’ privet does not necessarily mind the cold weather, it can experience a drop and color change in the foliage.

Throughout the winter, continue watering the plant every other week and add a layer of mulch to help the roots stay warm and retain moisture. Water when the temperatures are at their highest to allow moisture to reach the roots without freezing or leaving the soil soggy.

Avoid pruning throughout the winter, stopping about two months before the first frost—pruning prevents the plant from efficiently storing energy. Depending on your climate, privets might benefit from burlap or cloth covering overnight to avoid cold damage. Remove the covering in the mornings to allow sun exposure.

Pests and Diseases

Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Ligustrum sinense berries Wiki-Contributor-Editor CC BY-SA 4.0

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Privet is susceptible to whiteflies, Japanese weevils, scale, rust mites, aphids, mealybugs, and leaf miners. While many of these pests do not cause significant damage, removing pests with a water hose or spraying an insecticide can help prevent more serious diseases.

Brown spots, powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf deformities result from specific diseases that often occur from improper care conditions. Avoid overwatering plants to prevent rot. Avoid wet leaves and ensure plants get enough daily sun exposure.

Common Problems

‘Sunshine’ privet is relatively easy to grow, but there are still some conditions that can cause problems for this plant. Here is what you should know:

Leaf Drop

Several reasons why ‘Sunshine’ privet might experience leaf drop include inadequate sun exposure, temperature fluctuations, pests, lack of nutrients, and incorrect water levels. Spraying plants with water can help shake off some pests but planting privets in a sunny location with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil is the best way to care for these shrubs. Depending on your environmental conditions, privets need more or less humidity.

Leaves Turning Black/Brown

When leaves develop brown spots or start turning brown, this signifies too much heat or fertilizer and improper watering. Make sure to allow the soil to drain entirely before watering plants, and use fertilizer sparingly at the beginning of the growing season in the spring. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or dilute it with water if the plants are still experiencing leaf browning. In areas that experience harsh summer heat, plant privets in an area that receives partial shade in the afternoons.

Leaves Turning Yellow

Leaf burn can also turn foliage yellow from inefficient watering. If poor drainage is not an issue, soil nutrient imbalance is likely the cause. Test the soil for a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 and enrich it with magnesium and sulfur. Adding citrus, coffee, or vegetables is also known to help improve soil content.

III. Uses and Benefits

Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Ligustrum sinense kz1 Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz CC BY-SA 4.0

Chinese privet is commonly used in North America as a border, hedge, or screening plant. Its tolerance of close pruning and dense, woody growth make it perfect for use as a barrier, but it has become invasive in some southeastern states. Chinese privet works well with lilac, weigela, and Shasta daisy plants.

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