The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Ligustrum lucidum, the broad-leaf privet, Chinese privet, glossy privet, tree privet or wax-leaf privet, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae, native to the southern half of China and naturalized in many places. The name “Chinese privet” is also used for Ligustrum sinense.
The Latin specific epithet lucidum means “bright” or “shiny”, referring to the leaves.
Ligustrum lucidum is an evergreen tree growing to 10 m (33 ft) tall and broad. The leaves are opposite, glossy dark green, 6–17 centimeters (2.4–6.7 in) long and 3–8 centimeters (1.2–3.1 in) broad. The flowers are similar to other privets, white or near white, borne in panicles, and have a strong fragrance, which some people find unpleasant.
Following flowering, glossy privet produces small, oval fruits that mature to a dark purple or black color. The fruits are less than 0.5 inches (1.3 centimeters) in diameter and contain one to four seeds. They are attractive to birds, which contribute to the plant’s spread by dispersing the seeds.
The stems of glossy privet are stout and can become quite woody with age. The bark is smooth and pale gray-brown, often developing shallow vertical fissures as the plant matures.
It has become an invasive species in some areas where it has been introduced, such as urban areas in the southeastern United States. It is classed as a noxious weed in New South Wales, Australia, and is similarly listed in New Zealand’s National Pest Plant Accord.
II. How to Grow and Care
Glossy privet is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established. It is tolerant of a range of environmental conditions, making it a popular choice for urban and suburban landscapes.
Sunlight
Glossy 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
Glossy privet prefers a warm, moist environment. It has some drought tolerance and has no requirement for air humidity. However, when soil moisture content is less than 9%, glossy privet appears to grow slowly or reduce the number of branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. It grows best in temperatures between 20 to 30 ℃, but is hardy enough to tolerate temperatures around -12 ℃.
Watering
The mature glossy 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. Glossy 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
Glossy 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
Glossy 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.
Planting Instructions
Glossy privet has deep roots, so if it is used as a hedge, plant seedlings 40 cm apart. If planted as small trees, the distance between two plants should be at least 3 m. Spread a layer of organic fertilizer at the bottom before planting; this will increase the soil temperature, make the soil fertile, and promote faster growth. Once planted, it needs to be continuously watered for three days. After that, wait until the soil dries out before watering. Remember to provide shade when the sun is particularly strong.
Pruning
Glossy 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.
Transplanting
Ideally, transplant glossy privet during the period of early to mid-spring, as it allows the plant to establish its roots before summer heat arrives. For successful transplantation, choose a well-draining location with partial to full sun. Remember, gentle handling of the root ball is key to avoid stress on the plant.
Overwintering
During snowfall and freezing temperatures, shake off the snow and ice to reduce the freezing of the leaves and prevent the branches from being broken by snow. The “snow quilt” formed by the snow under the tree is a good thermal insulation layer. The snow layer has a protective effect on the roots and therefore does not need to be swept away.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests of glossy privet include aphids (Aphidoidea), scale insects (Coccoidea), and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). These pests can cause damage by sucking sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Treatment includes the use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly draining soils. To prevent this, ensure proper soil conditions and avoid overwatering.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Glossy privet is often planted in yards, gardens and along streets and public spaces. It is chosen for the beauty of its irregularly spreading growth, as well as the fact that it does well in nearly all soil conditions. It is commonly used as a specimen tree or pruned to a large shrub, and will thrive only in locations of full sun where it is not shaded by taller trees. The best companion plantings would be smaller species that enjoy its shade.
Ligustrum lucidum and the variegated cultivar ‘Excelsum Superbum’ have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
- Ethnomedical uses
The seeds are known as nu zhen zi (female chastity seed/berry) in traditional Chinese medicine and are believed to nourish liver and kidney yin and jing in the treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo (dizziness), premature graying of the hair, and soreness/weakness of the lower back and knees. Due to the belief in the berries’ ability to nourish the liver, they are also used in the treatment of disorders of the eye involving red or dry eyes, blurred vision, and pain.
- Other uses
It is the origin of Chinese insect wax from the Ericerus pela used for making candles.
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