Maintenance Landscaping Design

Variegated privet is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that is popular for its glossy, dark green leaves that are variegated with creamy white margins. It is a fast-growing shrub that can reach up to 6 feet in height and 8 feet in width. This shrub is tolerant to a wide range of soils and can even grow in full sun to partial shade.

Also known as

• False privet
  
• Chinese privet
  
• Ligustrum sinense
  
• Privet hibiscus
  
• Glossy privet

Common Knowledge

• Variegated privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a species of privet native to China.
  
• It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 5–8 m (16–26 ft) tall.
  
• The leaves are ovate, 2–6 cm (0.8–4 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.4–2 in) broad, with a variable degree of variegation; the leaves may be all green, or variously mottled with cream, yellow or white.
  
• The flowers are small, white, borne in clusters 4–6 cm (6–4 in) diameter in summer.
  
• The fruit is a black drupe 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) diameter, ripening in autumn.
  
• Variegated privet is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions of the world.
  
• It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions, and can be either deciduous or evergreen depending on the climate.
  
• It can be pruned into a variety of shapes and is often used as a hedge.
  
• The variegated cultivar 'Variegata' is particularly popular and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
  
• However, variegated privet is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, particularly in North America where it has spread rapidly in the wild, outcompeting native plant species.

Related plant:
Variegated Dogwood Tree

How to Grow

1. For variegated privet, first step is to obtain a plant that has been started from cuttings.
   
2. Plant the cutting in moist soil in a shady location.
   
3. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
   
4. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
   
5. Prune as needed to shape the plant or control its size.
   
6. Watch for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
   
7. Enjoy your beautiful variegated privet!

Related plant:
Variegated Red Twig Dogwood

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, variegated privet prefers well-drained soils, but it is not particular about soil type or pH. It does best in full sun, but it will tolerate partial shade. It is tolerant of urban pollution and will even do well in inner city environments. This plant is very drought tolerant once established.

About light

Like the other types of privet, the variegated privet requires full sun to partial shade in order to maintain its variegated leaves. If the plant does not receive enough sun, the leaves will revert back to all green.

The Temperature

The temperature condition requirement for variegated privet is that it should be between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They should also be in an area where they will get partial sun to full sun. If the temperature gets too cold or too hot, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity drops below this, the plant will become stressed and susceptible to disease. If the humidity rises above this, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this family of plant , is the root. The root system of a variegated privet is very dense and fibrous. It is also very shallow, only reaching a depth of about 2 feet. This plant does not tolerate drought well and will require supplemental watering during periods of extended dry weather. An application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring will promote growth and help keep the foliage looking green and healthy.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a variegated privet. This shrub can be pruned to maintain its shape, or to remove dead or damaged branches. When pruning, be sure to cut back to a healthy bud or branch.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be around 10-15cm in length. Place the cuttings in a propagator or a clear plastic bag with some holes punched in it, and keep the compost moist. Once roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted into pots or into their final growing position.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is medium to fast. These are deciduous shrubs that are tolerant to a wide range of soil conditions. They can be pruned to almost any desired shape and size and make excellent hedges.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are mostly due to its fast growth rate and the fact that it is an aggressive spreader. Some of the problems include: 1. It can quickly become overgrown and out of control. 2. It can crowd out other plants in the landscape. 3. It can be difficult to control its spread. 4. It can be an invader of natural areas. 5. It can be a host for numerous pests and diseases.

Tips on Growing

• If you're growing privet (Ligustrum spp.) from seed, start the process in late winter or early spring.
  
• Choose a location for your plants that receives full sun to partial shade.
  
• Prepare the planting area by turning over the soil and removing any large rocks or debris.
  
• Sow the privet seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of sand.
  
• Water the area gently and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  
• Expect germination to occur within two to three weeks.
  
• Once the seedlings have reached a few inches in height, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain.
  
• Fertilize the privet plants every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced plant food.
  
• Prune the plants as needed to shape them and control their size.
  

Related Plants

• Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum lucidum)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum ovalfolium)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum amurense)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum quihoui)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum robustum)
  
• Privet (Ligustrum ibota)
  

Source:
Privet | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
Chinese privet, Ligustrum sinense, Prospects for Classical Biological ...
Chinese Privet | Mississippi State University Extension Service