How to Grow Curly Leaf Ligustrum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Curly leaf ligustrum is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that is often used as a hedging or screening plant. It can reach up to 6 feet in height and 8 feet in width. The leaves are dark green and have a distinctive curly shape. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in the spring.

How to Grow Curly Leaf Ligustrum - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Glossy privet
Wax-leaf privet
Japanese privet
California privet
Golden privet

Common Knowledge

Curly leaf ligustrum is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 15 feet in height.
It has glossy, dark green leaves that are densely packed on the stems.
The leaves have a distinctive curl or twist to them, hence the plant's common name.
Curly leaf ligustrum produces small, white flowers in spring which give way to glossy, dark purple berries.
Birds are attracted to the berries and often spread the seeds of the plant, leading to its invasiveness in some areas.
Curly leaf ligustrum is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and can even tolerate standing water.
It is a popular choice for hedges and topiary due to its dense growth habit and ability to be easily shaped.
However, the plant can become quite leggy and overgrown if left unchecked.
Curly leaf ligustrum is relatively disease and pest-resistant.
It can be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer.

Related plant:
Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red

How to Grow

For curly leaf ligustrum, first step is to find a suitable location. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so choose an area accordingly.
Once you have chosen the location, prepare the soil by tilling or digging it to a depth of about 12 inches.
Next, add organic matter to the soil such as compost or manure. This will help the plant to grow healthy and strong.
After adding organic matter, level off the soil and then use a garden hose to wet it down.
For planting, dig a hole that is twice the width of the plants root ball.
Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
Once the plant is in the hole, fill it in with soil and gently pack it down.
Water the plant well and then apply a layer of mulch around it.
Curly leaf ligustrum will need to be trimmed and shaped periodically. This can be done with pruning shears or hedge trimmers.
This plant is also susceptible to pests and diseases. Check it regularly for any problems and treat accordingly.

Related plant:
Curly Willow

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the curly leaf ligustrum prefers well-drained soil, but it is tolerant of a range of soil types and conditions. It is not particular about pH and will do well in neutral to slightly acidic soils. This plant is not tolerant of wet or soggy soils and will not do well in poorly drained sites.

Light requirement

Similar to other ligustrums, the curly leaf ligustrum requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. It is an evergreen shrub, so it will keep its leaves year-round, which is one of the reasons why it is such a popular landscape plant. Curly leaf ligustrums can grow to be 6-10 feet tall and wide, so make sure you give it plenty of room to grow.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is optimal for curly leaf ligustrum growth is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is a tropical plant, so it prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. If the temperature dips below 68 degrees, the plant will start to experience stress and may die.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or above. It can tolerate some drought, but will not do as well in extremely dry conditions. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and drop off.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, usually the plant 's primary source of nutrition, may be applied in several ways. Fertilizers may be top-dressed, meaning they are applied around the base of the plant, or they may be mixed into the root zone. Fertilizers may also be applied through irrigation systems.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a curly leaf ligustrum. This evergreen shrub can become leggy and overgrown if not pruned regularly. Pruning also promotes new growth and keeps the plant looking tidy. Curly leaf ligustrums can be pruned any time of year, but late winter or early spring is best. Use sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches. You can also trim back any overgrown or leggy branches. Be sure to sterilize your pruning shears before and after use to avoid spreading diseases.

About Propagating

Propagation for the Curly Leaf Ligustrum is best done through softwood or hardwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. They should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. This plant can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet and widths of up to 4 feet. Curly leaf ligustrum has been known to grow as much as 3 feet in one growing season, though this is not the norm.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, mites, and aphids. These pests can be controlled with regular spraying of an insecticide. Curly leaf ligustrum is also susceptible to powdery mildew, so it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant.

List to Know

If you are growing curly leaf ligustrum in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
Place the pot in an area that receives full sun.
Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
If the leaves start to turn yellow, it could be a sign of too much water or fertilizer. Reduce watering and fertilizing until the leaves return to green.
Spider mites may become a problem if the leaves start to turn brown and cup. Treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids may also attack the plant, especially if it is stressed. Treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.