Ligustrum lucidum

Ligustrum lucidum (08/02/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Sun to Partial Shade

Flowering Period: Late Summer

Soil: Well Drained, Moist

Eventual Height: 15m

Eventual Spread: 10m

Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Oleaceae

Ligustrum lucidum is an evergreen tree with a rounded canopy. The leaves are opposite, with a sharp terminal point  and entire margins. They are up to 13cm long and 6cm broad. They are glossy dark green with a leathery texture. The stems are smooth and pale grey/ brown. The flowers are white, with a four lobed corolla, 5 – 6 millimeters long. They are arranged in upright panicles to 25cm long. These are followed by a fruit, an oval drupe, which is 6mm long, ripening to purple/ black. 

Lonicera lucidum leaf (13/11/2011, London)

Ligustrum  lucidum, commonly known as Chinese Privet, Glossy Privet, Wax Tree Privet or Broad-leaf Privet, is native to southern China. This tree is considered a noxious weed in New South Wales, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and California, Texas and Florida in the USA.

The etymological root of the binomial name Ligustrum is derived from the ancient Latin ‘ligula’ which was the name for Privet. Lucidum is derived from the Latin meaning ‘bright, clear or shining’, in reference to the leaves.

Lonicera lucidum hedge (13/11/2011, London)

The landscape architect may find Ligustrum lucidum useful as an effective evergreen hedge which has attractive large glossy leaves. It may also be used as a small evergreen tree or topiary plant. It is regarded as evergreen in the south of the UK, whilst being semi-evergreen in the reminder. Once established it is moderately drought tolerant. This plant is also suitable for urban planting due to it’s pollution tolerance.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given Ligustrum lucidum their it their prestigious award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Ligustrum lucidum is tolerant of most soils as long as they are well drained. It is tolerant of most pH of soil. It will not tolerate waterlogged soils.

Ecologically, the seeds of Ligustrum lucidum are eaten by birds and the flowers are attractive to bees.

Ligustrum lucidum requires little maintenance. If maintaining as a hedge it should be trimmed after flowering.