Ligustrum obtusifolium aka Border Privet

Taxonomy

Ligustrum obtusifolium, also known as border privet or Amur privet, is a species of privet native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. It is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of 3 meters. The leaves are elliptic to oval, slightly glossy green, and can turn purple in autumn. In summer, it produces hanging clusters of small, scented, tubular white flowers, which are followed by round, blue-black berries. This species is considered invasive in certain parts of the United States, particularly in southern New England, the mid-Atlantic States, and the Great Lakes regions. It can also be found in scattered occurrences in the South, the Great Plains, and Washington state. Along with Ligustrum ovalifolium, it is a parent of the widespread hybrid Ligustrum × ibolium. There are three subspecies, including Ligustrum obtusifolium subsp. obtusifolium in Japan, Ligustrum obtusifolium subsp. microphyllum in eastern China, Korea, and Japan, and Ligustrum obtusifolium subsp. suave in northeastern China. In terms of cultivation, border privet is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and does not typically require added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size.

Common names

Border Privet

How to care for Border Privet

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Border Privet is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Border Privet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Border Privet loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Border Privet prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Border Privet should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Border Privet’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia