Japanese Privet, Wax Leaf Privet

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun, light shade during hottest spells to avoid sunburn

Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub to 12 feet tall, 8 feet wide (3.6 x 2.4 m) depending on variety

Watering Needs: Regular to abundant water, good salt tolerance

Propagation: Seeds, named varieties are propagated by softwood cuttings in spring, semi-hardwood cuttings at the end of the summer

Propagation: Cutting

• by semi-hardwood secondary cuttings, in spring. Use intermittent mist. Root in 5-12 weeks. Also roots in the fall..

Ligustrum japonicum 'texanum'

Leaves and fruit are poisonous. It is a good looking bush, easy to trim for hedges or more unusual shapes.
Varieties:

• 'Rotundifolium': smaller variety with round leaves (up to 5 feet - 1.5m), needs some shade in Phoenix.
• 'Texanum': a good variety for the Phoenix area, lusher foliage, up to 9 feet tall (2.7 m)
• 'Suwannee River': hybrid of Ligustrum japonicum and L. lucidum. Slow-growing to 4 feet tall (1.2 m), 3 to 4 feet wide (0.9-1.2 m).

Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum), U.S.D.A. Forest Service Collection, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

Blooming Habits:
The white blossom of the privet have a scent that many find slightly unpleasant.

Culture:
Sensitive to Texas root rot, but tolerates sand and salt spray. Can be pruned to shape easily.

Propagation:
Stratify the seeds for 3 months at the bottom of your fridge.