Ligustrum sinense aka Chinese Privet

Taxonomy

Ligustrum sinense, also known as Chinese privet or L. villosum, is a species of privet native to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It is a compact, rounded, evergreen shrub that grows to around 1.2m tall and wide. The leaves are small, oval, and range in color from golden-yellow to yellow-green. This particular cultivar is sterile and does not produce flowers. L. sinense is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant and for hedges, and it is also popular as a bonsai tree. It is a deciduous shrub that can reach heights of 2–7 m. The shoots are densely hairy, and the leaves are opposite, with a length of 2–7 cm and a width of 1–3 cm. The flowers are white, with a four-lobed corolla measuring 3.5–5.5 mm in length. The fruit is subglobose, about 5–8 mm in diameter, and considered poisonous. While L. sinense was introduced to North America for use as hedges and landscaping, it has since escaped cultivation and become an invasive plant in the southeastern states. It is estimated that Chinese privet now occupies over one million hectares of land across 12 states, ranging from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas. This invasive species has had detrimental effects on biodiversity and forest health in the region.

Common names

Chinese Privet, Small Leaf Privet, Sichuan Lovage

How to care for Chinese Privet

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Chinese 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

Chinese Privet thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Sichuan Lovage.

Toxicity

Chinese Privet is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Chinese Privet is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia