How to Grow Ligustrum Waxleaf - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Ligustrum waxleaf is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be 15 feet tall. The leaves are glossy and dark green, with a waxy texture. The flowers are small and white, and the berries are black. The plant is native to China and Japan, and it is often used as a hedge or privacy screen.

How to Grow Ligustrum Waxleaf - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Glossy privet
  • Common privet
  • European privet
  • Chinese privet
  • Golden privet

Things to Know

  • Ligustrum waxleaf is a shrub or small tree that is native to China and Korea.
  • It is widely cultivated in other countries as an ornamental plant.
  • The leaves are evergreen, elliptical in shape, and have a glossy surface.
  • The flowers are white, borne in clusters, and have a sweet fragrance.
  • The fruit is a black drupe, about 8 mm in diameter.
  • Ligustrum waxleaf is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.
  • It can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size.
  • It is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and scale.
  • It is an important nectar plant for bees and other pollinators.
  • Ligustrum waxleaf can be used in hedges, topiary, or as a specimen plant in the landscape.

Related plant:
Ligustrum Ovalifolium Aureum

Growing Steps

  1. For ligustrum waxleaf, first step is to find a good location. Look for a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you can find a location with even more sun, that would be ideal.
  2. Once you have found a good location, it is time to prepare the soil. Ligustrum waxleaf prefers well-drained soil. If your soil is not well-drained, you can improve it by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
  3. Next, you will need to obtain some ligustrum waxleaf seeds. You can purchase these from a nursery or online retailer.
  4. Once you have your seeds, it is time to sow them. To do this, simply scatter the seeds on top of the soil in your prepared location.
  5. Once the seeds are scattered, lightly rake them into the soil.
  6. Water the area well.
  7. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Water as needed to keep the soil moist.
  8. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.
  9. Once the seedlings have grown to about four inches tall, thin them out so that only the strongest seedlings remain.
  10. Once the seedlings are well-established, you can begin to enjoy your ligustrum waxleaf plants!

Related plant:
Ligustrum Shrub

The Soil

About soil condition, ligustrum waxleaf grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil that is well drained but will tolerate most types of soil as long as it is not water logged. It is a tough plant that is drought tolerant once established.

Light requirement

Not too different with other plants, the ligustrum waxleaf needs sunlight to grow properly. However, it is not as high-maintenance as some other plants when it comes to its sun requirements. It can tolerate both full sun and partial sun, meaning it doesn't need to be in direct sunlight all day long to thrive. This makes it a great option for growers who want a plant that is easy to care for.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the ligustrum waxleaf is a warm climate. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical areas of Asia and it thrive in warm weather condition. It can tolerate some cold, but it will not thrive in a cold climate.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and brittle.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is generally low-maintenance in terms of needing to provide extra nutrients. A light application of an all-purpose granular fertilizer in early spring is all that is required to keep them looking their best. Be sure to scratch the fertilizer into the soil and not onto the foliage. Waxleaf privet generally responds well to being root-pruned and can be done so every few years if needed.

About light

Pruning is a necessary part of keeping a healthy ligustrum waxleaf plant. Pruning not only removes dead or dying leaves and branches, but also helps to promote new growth. When pruning your ligustrum waxleaf plant, be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves and branches first. Next, cut back any overgrown branches to encourage new growth. Finally, trim back any branches that are rubbing against each other to prevent damage.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of ligustrum waxleaf is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the tips of new growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from a healthy plant. Cuttings should be taken from the plant in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Before taking the cuttings, fill a pot with a moistened mixture of half perlite and half peat moss. The pot should be deep enough to accommodate the length of the cutting. Cuttings should be taken from the plant using a sharp knife or pair of shears. Cut just below a leaf node, and remove the lower leaves from the cutting. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, and then plant it in the pot. Be sure to bury at least two leaf nodes in the potting mix. Water the cutting well, and then place the pot in a location that receives indirect sunlight. The cutting will root in 4-8 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the variety. For example, japonicum grows anywhere from 6 to 12 inches per year, while sinense only reaches about 3 to 6 inches in the same time frame. However, there are ways to encourage growth in either type. Fertilizing in early spring, before new growth begins, with a balanced fertilizer will give the plant the nutrients it needs to grow well. Be sure to water regularly, as ligustrums are drought-tolerant, but will produce more foliage if given consistent moisture. Pruning can also encourage new growth, so if the plant is looking a bit scraggly, give it a trim.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Pests such as aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies can infest the plant and cause problems. Scale insects can cause the plant to become stunted and yellow, while aphids can cause leaves to curl and distort. Whiteflies can cause the plant to become covered in a sticky substance. Diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot can also affect the plant. Powdery mildew can cause the plant to become covered in a white powder, rust can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off, and leaf spot can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause problems for the plant. A lack of nitrogen can cause the plant to become yellow and stunted, while a lack of phosphorus can cause the plant to become purple and stunted.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your ligustrum waxleaf regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer to your plant every few weeks to encourage growth.
  • Prune your plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
  • Place your ligustrum waxleaf in a bright, sunny spot for best results.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if they appear.
  • Harvest the leaves of your plant when they reach the desired size.
  • Dry or freeze the leaves for later use.
  • Propagate your plant by taking stem cuttings and growing them in new pots.
  • Divide your plant every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
  • Enjoy the beauty of your ligustrum waxleaf plant!

Alternative Plants

  • Privet (Ligustrum amurense)
  • Waxleaf privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
  • California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)
  • Glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum)
  • Amur privet (Ligustrum amurense)
  • Golden privet (Ligustrum rectum)
  • Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
  • Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
  • Common periwinkle (Vinca minor)
  • Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium)

Source:
Ligustrum japonicum, Japanese privet, waxleaf privet | Trees of ...
Ligustrum quihoui - UF/IFAS Assessment - University of Florida
Privet (Ligustrum) and Hedges - uaex.uada.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category