A common question I get in the office is what can I replace by redtips or leyland cypress hedges with. Because of this question the plant of the month is a hedge or screening plant. One of my recommendations is Ligustrum japonica, Japanese Ligustrum or Privet. This plant should not be confused with Ligustrum chinese, Chinese Privet, which has become a noxious weed in our native habitats.

Ligustrum japonica, Japanese ligustrum and Ligustrum lucidum, Waxleaf privet have gotten mis-labeled in the trade but there are obvious differences between the two. Japanese Privet is a 12 foot tall and 8 foot wide plant, although has been seen as large as 18 feet high and wide. Japanese ligustrum is more cold hardy than the Waxleaf privet.

Japanese Ligustrum is a dense evergreen shrub with an upright growth habit and lustrous dark green leaves. It can be used as a screening plant or grown as a small tree. It is often mis-pruned into green meatballs along with hollies, azaleas, and the list goes on.

Japanese Ligustrum is in bloom now with creamy white fragrant flowers. Flowers are 2-6 inches high and wide. The fruit is a flat black drupe, maturing in the fall and persisting through the winter.

Japanese ligustrum can easily be transplanted from a container and adapts to many different soils. It is tolerant of salt spray, sun or shade. Can withstand heavy pruning but since it matures at the height most homeowners want a privacy hedge to be pruning should not be a major issue. Does not like wet soils.

I have not noticed or have any reports of insects or diseases on this plant.

Several cultivars are available and we have at least two at the Wilson County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at 1806 S. Goldsboro Street . One cultivar is variegated with yellow. According to literature I believe it to be 'Howard', new leaves yellow turning green with maturity. We also have 'Rotundifolium' or Curlyleaf Privet. It has a very upright habit, stiff, grows 4-6 feet tall. Leaves are thick and leathery. 'Davidson Hardy' and 'Nobilis' are the two most common for hedges. Ligustrum lucidum, Waxleaf Privet leaves are larger, not as lustrous. It also grows larger, 20-25 feet. An easy way to tell the difference between the two is Waxleaf privet will have translucent veins when held up to the light whereas Japanese Ligustrum will be solid green.

The Wilson Display Garden, at 1806 S. Goldsboro Street and is open from dawn until dusk. Come visit the garden!

Home gardening questions can be answered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 until 3 PM by calling 237-0113. and speaking to a Master Gardener. Applications for the Master Gardener program are being accepted now for fall training, starting September 9.

Date Created: 7/11/03.