Recurve ligustrum is a fast-growing, erect or arching, multi-stemmed, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub that typically matures to 10-15 tall with a spread to as much as 20 wide. It is native to woodlands, hills and streamsides in central and southern China. This shrub features lustrous, oval to ovate, dark green leaves (to 4 long) that tend to recurve sharply at the tips. Tiny, fragrant, white flowers in panicles (to 4 long) appear in late spring to early summer. Flowers are followed by black berries. Berries are poisonous if ingested. Oval, dark green leaves turn yellow in fall.
About soil condition, the recurve ligustrum prefers well-drained soil, but it is not fussy about the type of soil. It will even do well in sandy soil as long as it is not too dry. If your soil is heavy clay, you may want to consider amending it with some organic matter to improve drainage.
Like the other ligustrums, the recurve ligustrum will do best in full sun. It is pretty tolerant of different soil types as long as the drainage is good, but it will not tolerate wet feet. Fertilize in early spring with a good all purpose fertilizer before new growth begins.
The temperature condition for the recurve ligustrum is that it prefers warmer climates and does not tolerate frost well. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10. If you live in an area with cold winters, you will need to provide protection for your plant. A good way to do this is to mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% to 70%. The air should not be too dry nor too wet. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to brown and curl. If the air is too wet, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. Plant in a well-draining pot to prevent root rot.
For the fertilizer, this family of plant responds very well to organic matter. This can be in the form of compost, manure, or other similar products. Be sure to work the organic matter into the soil around the root ball, taking care not to damage the roots in the process.
Pruning is essential to keeping your recurve ligustrum looking its best. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure that your plant stays healthy and vibrant. First, remove any dead or dying branches. Next, trim back any overgrowth to control the shape of the plant. Finally, thin out the foliage to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. With regular pruning, your recurve ligustrum will stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Propagation is by cuttings in late summer or early autumn. The cutting should be taken from new growth at the tips of the shoots and be around 10-15cm long. Use a sharp knife or secateurs and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving two or three at the top of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting in hormone rooting powder and insert it into a pot of free-draining propagating mix. Water well and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in around six weeks the cutting should have rooted and be ready to plant out.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. The plant rarely exceeds 6 inches in a year and a half. Linear to lanceolate, dark green leaves with a recurved apex, 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long and 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide, are borne on slightly zigzag stems. The inconspicuous white flowers are borne in axillary clusters in mid-spring, followed by black berries.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and drop off, the plant may become stunted, and the fruit may be deformed. These problems are often caused by too much water, poor drainage, or too much fertilizer.
Source:
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