How to Grow Golden Vicary Privet - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Golden vicary privet is a plant. it is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub with a rounded habit. it has glossy, dark green leaves which are ovate in shape and have serrated margins. its leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn. in summer, it bears small, white flowers which are followed by black berries.

How to Grow Golden Vicary Privet - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Chinese privet
  • Ligustrum sinense
  • Wax-leaf privet
  • Privet hedge
  • Glossy privet

Good to Know

  • Golden vicary privet (Ligustrum lucidum) is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 15 feet in height.
  • It has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and serrated along the edges.
  • The shrub produces small, white flowers in the springtime that give way to black berries.
  • Golden vicary privet is native to China and Korea but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and dense growth habit.
  • However, the shrub can become invasive in some areas if not properly managed.
  • Golden vicary privet is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and can even grow in poor, dry soils.
  • It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
  • The shrub is relatively low-maintenance and does not require much pruning or fertilizing.
  • Golden vicary privet can be propagated through cuttings or by seed.

Related plant:
Golden Duranta

How to Grow

  1. For golden vicary privet, first step is to find a location that gets full or partial sun and has well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
  3. After digging the hole, mix in some compost or organic matter to the hole.
  4. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
  5. Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Water the plant well.
  7. Apply a mulch around the base of the plant to help with moisture retention.
  8. Golden vicary privet will need to be pruned each year to maintain its shape.
  9. This plant is also susceptible to pests and diseases, so be sure to keep an eye out for any problems.
  10. With proper care, golden vicary privet will thrive and provide you with beautiful foliage for many years.

Related plant:
Golden Rain Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, golden vicary privet prefers well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It is not particular about soil pH, but does best in rich soils. This plant is tolerant of urban pollution.

Light condition

Similar to other privets, the golden vicary privet does best in full sun to partial sun. It will tolerate some light shade, but will not flower as profusely. It is a fast grower, so give it some room to spread.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best suited for the growth of the golden vicary privet is one that is warm and humid. This plant prefers to grow in areas that have a lot of moisture in the air, as well as in soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves of this plant will begin to turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. This plant can tolerate some drought and can also survive inbrackish water. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to fall off. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is one of those that will respond well to being fed. A good dosing of organic matter or a balanced fertilizer will help to keep it looking its best. Be sure to apply it around the root zone and not on the leaves.

Light requirement

Pruning is an essential part of keeping your golden vicary privet looking its best. While you can prune at any time of year, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring. This will help ensure that your plant has a long, healthy growing season. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also trim back any overgrown branches to keep your plant looking tidy.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of golden vicary privet is best done through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be around 4-6 inches in length. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered slow to moderate. In general, they add about 13 inches (33 cm.) per year. However, some varieties have been known to grow up to 24 inches (61 cm.) per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. These problems are usually caused by too much moisture or humidity. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant in well-drained soil and remove any dead or dying leaves. If you see any powdery mildew or leaf spots, you can treat them with a fungicide.

List to Know

  • Remember to plant your golden vicary privet in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Be sure to water your golden vicary privet regularly.
  • Fertilize your golden vicary privet every few weeks.
  • Prune your golden vicary privet as needed.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Train your golden vicary privet to grow the way you want it to.
  • Don't forget to mulch around your golden vicary privet.
  • Enjoy the beautiful, fragrant flowers your golden vicary privet produces.
  • Collect the berries your golden vicary privet produces and use them in recipes.
  • Keep in mind that golden vicary privet can be invasive, so be sure to plant it where it won't crowd out other plants.

Similar Plants

  • Variegated Golden Vicary Privet
  • Golden Vicary Privet (Golden Privet)
  • Variegated Privet (Variegated Golden Vicary Privet, Golden Privet)
  • Variegated Privet (Variegated Golden Vicary Privet, Golden Privet)
  • Golden Privet (Variegated Golden Vicary Privet)
  • Privet (Variegated Privet, Variegated Golden Vicary Privet, Golden Privet)
  • Privet (Variegated Privet, Variegated Golden Vicary Privet, Golden Privet)
  • White Privet (Golden Privet)
  • Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' (Golden Privet)
  • Photinia x fraseri (Golden Privet)

Source:
Privet: Accurate Identification - extension.psu.edu
Privet | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
Chinese Privet - AquaPlant: Management of Pond Plants & Algae

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category