Ligustrum lucidum (Chinese privet)

Botanical name

Ligustrum lucidum

Other names

Chinese privet, White wax tree, Chinese wax tree, Glossy privet, Shining-leaved privet

Genus

Ligustrum Ligustrum

Species

L. lucidum - L. lucidum is a vigorous, domed, evergeen tree with large leaves and a profusion of white fluffy flowers in summer and autumn.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Some may find the scent of the flowers unpleasant

Tree shape

Rounded

Toxicity

All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

Cream in Summer; Cream in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Leaf mining moths , Scale insects , Thrips

Diseases

Generally disease-free

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Hedge pruning group 2 if grown as a hedge. Trim new growth back by 15cm every time it has grown approx. 30cm. Stop pruning in late summer avoid frost damage on new growth.

Propagation methods

Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Ligustrum lucidum (Chinese privet) will reach a height of 12m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Grows well in any moist but well-drained or well-drained in sun or partial shade. Needs shelter in cold areas. Suitable for hedging. Classified as an invasive species in some non-native areas.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Ligustrum lucidum (Chinese privet)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Ligustrum lucidum (Chinese privet)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/