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