120 gardener saves
Ligustrum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 11 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 11 most-saved Ligustrum varieties
Of 11 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedGolden Privet
Ligustrum vicaryi
#2 most savedCalifornia Privet
Ligustrum ovalifolium
#3 most savedLodense European Privet
Ligustrum vulgare 'Lodense'
Straight Talk Privet
Ligustrum vulgare 'Straight Talk'
Cheyenne Privet
Ligustrum vulgare 'Cheyenne'
Howard's Ligustrum
Ligustrum japonicum 'Howardi'
Waxleaf Privet
Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'
Japanese Privet
Ligustrum japonicum
Jack Frost Privet
Ligustrum japonicum 'Jack Frost'
Variegated Chinese Privet
Ligustrum sinense 'Variegatum'
Wavy Leaf Privet
Ligustrum japonicum 'Recurvifolium'
How to grow Ligustrum
What the Ligustrum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Ligustrum year
- PruneMay–July100% of varieties
Prune or shear after flowering to shape and remove any reverted green shoots.
- FertilizeMarch91% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October82% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall. Full sun gives the best color.
Do
- Prune regularly after flowering to maintain desired size and shape.
- Promptly remove any all-green shoots at their point of origin.
- Monitor for pests, especially in warm, humid climates.
- Provide good air circulation to minimize fungal issues.
- Prune regularly after flowering to maintain a tidy hedge.
Avoid
- Do not ingest any part of the plant.
- Do not plant where it can escape into natural woodlands, especially in the Southeast US.
- Avoid shearing late in the season, as this can damage new growth.
- Don't allow it to produce berries if you are concerned about self-seeding.
What goes wrong with Ligustrum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Whiteflies | Clouds of tiny white insects fly up when disturbed; sticky honeydew on leaves. | Organic: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Chemical: Use a systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid. |
| Aphids | Distorted new growth and sticky honeydew on leaves. | Usually not a major problem. Use insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water to dislodge them. |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves; sooty mold may be present. | Organic: Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Chemical: Use a systemic insecticide for heavy infestations. |
| Scale | Hard or soft bumps on stems and leaves; sooty mold growing on honeydew. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season or when crawlers are active. |
| Cercospora Leaf Spot | Gray or tan spots with purple or dark borders on leaves. | Improve air circulation by pruning. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Apply a copper-based fungicide if severe. |
| Root Rot | Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and plant decline. | Occurs in heavy, waterlogged soils. Ensure good drainage. There is no chemical cure; prevention is key. Remove and replace affected plants. |
| Anthracnose | Tan or brown spots on leaves, can cause cankers on stems. | Prune to improve air circulation. Rake and destroy fallen leaves. Apply a copper-based fungicide if severe. |
Making more Ligustrum
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in late spring.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Stick cuttings in a pot with moist potting mix.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
- Roots should form in 6-8 weeks.
Hardwood Cuttings
- Take 8-10 inch cuttings from dormant, one-year-old wood in winter.
- Dip the basal end in rooting hormone.
- Stick cuttings about halfway deep in a prepared outdoor bed.
- Roots will form by the following spring.
Ligustrum questions
How many types of Ligustrum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Ligustrum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 120 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Ligustrum grow in?
Across its varieties, Ligustrum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ligustrum bloom?
Most Ligustrum varieties bloom in early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ligustrum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Ligustrum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
