Also known as Privet · 211 saves
Ligustrum
Ligustrum, the genus most gardeners know as privet. We track 21 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 15 most-saved Ligustrum varieties
Browse all 21 Ligustrum varieties →
3 species of Ligustrum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Ligustrum in Sow
Save the Ligustrum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ligustrum
Whats common across all Ligustrum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 21 most-grown of them.
The Ligustrum year
- PruneJune–August90% of varieties
Prune or shear after flowering to shape and remove any reverted green shoots.
- FertilizeMarch and April81% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed.
- Check for PestsMay–July43% of varieties
Inspect for common pests like whiteflies, scale, and aphids.
- PlantApril, May, October and November43% 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.
- Grow in full sun to maintain the bright golden-yellow foliage.
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 insects | Small, waxy bumps on stems and yellowing leaves accompanied by sticky honeydew. | Apply horticultural oil in early spring or insecticidal soap during the crawler stage. |
| Root rot | Causes wilting and dieback from poorly drained soils. | Ensure high drainage and avoid overwatering. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal growth on leaf surfaces, particularly in humid or shaded conditions. | Space plants to improve air circulation and prune to open up the canopy. |
| 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.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4- to 6-inch semi-hardwood cuttings from current season's growth in summer.
- Dip the cut ends in an IBA rooting hormone to encourage root development.
- Insert cuttings into a well-drained propagation medium under high humidity.
- Note that asexual propagation of this patented cultivar is legally restricted.
Ligustrum questions
How many types of Ligustrum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 21 distinct Ligustrum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 211 real gardeners — 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, summer, strongly scented white panicles. 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.