Ligustrum Ovalifolium

Ligustrum Ovalifolium

Why Buy Me?

• Popular as a hedging plant
• Vigorous grower
• Dark green glossy leaves

Growing Conditions

Light:
Tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. Best colour and density in full sun.

Soil:
Grows well in most well-drained soils. Tolerates poor, chalky, clay, or sandy soils. Prefers slightly alkaline to neutral conditions but adapts to mildly acidic soil.

Exposure:
Thrives in exposed and sheltered sites. Withstands urban pollution and coastal conditions. Makes an excellent windbreak.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from supplemental watering in dry spells, especially when grown as a hedge.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in autumn or spring when the soil is workable. Container-grown plants can be planted year-round with proper watering.

Spacing:
For hedges, space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. For specimen planting, allow 1–2 meters depending on mature size and pruning needs.

Watering:
Water regularly during establishment (first season). Afterward, water during prolonged dry periods, particularly for clipped hedges.

Fertilization:
Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth is poor. Compost or organic mulch in spring can also support health.

Mulching:
Apply organic mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep away from the base of the stems to prevent rot.

Pruning:
Responds well to pruning. Trim regularly (2–3 times a year for formal hedges) from late spring to early autumn. Can be pruned hard to rejuvenate older plants.

Propagation:
Propagated easily from semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn. Can also be grown from seed, though less common.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New foliage emerges bright green or golden (in variegated cultivars). Small clusters of creamy-white flowers may appear in late spring to early summer.

Summer:
Retains dense, glossy foliage. Flowering continues. Fragrant, although scent may be unpleasant to some.

Autumn:
Foliage remains vibrant. Small black berries develop after flowering (may be toxic if ingested). Berries attract birds.

Winter:
Semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates. May lose some or all leaves in colder regions but typically regrows in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attracts bees and pollinators when in bloom. Berries provide winter food for birds. Dense form offers nesting and shelter opportunities for birds and small mammals.

Garden Use:
Extensively used for hedging, screening, and topiary. Suitable for formal or informal styles. Can also be grown as a small tree or shrub in mixed borders or containers.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other hardy hedging plants like Buxus, Taxus, Ilex, and Photinia. In borders, complements Viburnum, Euonymus, and ornamental grasses.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Ligustrum Ovalifolium. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.