Ligustrum, Wax

HABIT: Glossy leaves, blue berries in winter. Very fragrant white flowers in late spring. Usually multi trunked but single stem plants available at nurseries. Native to the Orient.

CULTURE: Any soil and condition as long as drainage is good. Light shearing or pick pruning in March and July is helpful to keep the plant compact.

USES: Ornamental tree, screen, tall border, background plant.

PROBLEMS: Whiteflies, cotton root rot. Freeze damage in severe winters.

NOTES: Wax leaf has been grossly misused as a foundation planting or low hedge. I also think pyramid, poodle and globe shaped pruning is a silly thing to do with this plant.

Wax ligustrum

Wax ligustrum, close

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