Waxleaf privet is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach up to 8 feet in height. It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces small, white flowers in the spring. This plant is often used as a hedging plant or as an ornamental in gardens.
Also known as
- Tree lilac
- false lilac
- mock-orange
- pungawerenga
- bush honeysuckle
Good to Know
- Waxleaf privet is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 15 feet in height.
- It has glossy, dark green leaves that are prized for their beauty.
- Waxleaf privet is an excellent choice for hedges and topiary.
- It is tolerant of a wide variety of soil types and can even grow in clay soil.
- Waxleaf privet is relatively drought tolerant once it is established.
- It is moderately salt tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
- Waxleaf privet has few pests or diseases that affect it.
- It is relatively deer resistant.
- Waxleaf privet can be easily pruned into a variety of shapes.
- It is an excellent choice for privacy hedges, screens, and windbreaks.
Related plant:
Ligustrum Waxleaf
Planting Process
- For waxleaf privet, first step is to remove any damaged or dead branches with a pair of sharp pruning shears.
- Once the unhealthy wood has been removed, the next step is to shape the privet by selectively pruning back any overly long or out-of-place branches.
- Once the desired shape has been achieved, it is time to fertilize the plant. For best results, use a balanced fertilizer that contains both nitrogen and phosphorus.
- Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves or stems.
- Water the fertilizer in well.
- In the spring, once the risk of frost has passed, you can begin to feed the waxleaf privet with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's directions.
- Throughout the growing season, make sure to keep the plant moist by watering it deeply once or twice per week.
- In the fall, stop fertilizing the waxleaf privet and begin watering it less frequently.
- Once the leaves have begun to turn yellow and fall off, you can prune the plant back by up to one-third its total height.
The Soil
About soil condition, waxleaf privet prefers well-drained soils but can tolerant of heavy, clay soils if they are not waterlogged. It also grows well in sandy soils. This shrub is not drought tolerant and grows best with consistent moisture.
About light
Not too different with other types of privet, the waxleaf privet does best in full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but will likely not flower as much. This evergreen shrub can grow to be quite large, so make sure you have enough space for it before planting. Once it's established, the waxleaf privet is quite drought tolerant.
Ideal Temperature
The temperature conditions that are most suitable for the growth of waxleaf privet are those that are between sixty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit. However, this plant can also grow in temperatures that are as low as fifty degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity Level
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. The plant grows best in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun each day. If the plant is not receiving enough humidity, the leaves will begin to turn brown and drop off.
The Fertilizer
Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant prefers organic fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. You can use manure, coffee grounds or other compost material. Be sure to work the fertilizer into the soil around the root ball, taking care not to damage the roots.
Light requirement
Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy waxleaf privet. Though the plant is tolerant of most pruning methods, it is important to avoid over-pruning, which can damage the plant. The best time to prune waxleaf privet is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
The Propagation
Propagation is best done in late spring or early summer. Take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings 6-8 inches long and insert them into a sharp, gritty compost. Place the cuttings under mist and maintain a temperature of 68-77 degrees F until rooted, which should take 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, pot up the cuttings and grow them on in bright, indirect light.
Growth Rate
Usually, the plant growth rate happens in the spring and summer when the temperatures are warm and there is plenty of moisture. The plant can grow quite large if left unchecked, growing up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Common Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, scale, and aphids. The best way to control these pests is to prune out infested branches and to spray the remaining foliage with an insecticide.
List to Know
- Make sure to plant your waxleaf privet in an area that gets full sun to partial shade.
- Choose a location for planting that has well-drained soil.
- It is important to space your plants correctly when planting waxleaf privet. Make sure to give each plant enough room to grow.
- Water your plants regularly, especially during the summer months.
- Fertilize your plants twice a year, in the spring and fall.
- Prune your plants regularly to encourage new growth.
- Be on the lookout for pests or diseases that could affect your plants.
- Waxleaf privet is generally a low-maintenance plant. However, it is important to check on your plants regularly.
- Harvest the leaves of your waxleaf privet plant when they are young and tender.
- Enjoy your waxleaf privet plants!
Related Plants
- Waxleaf ligustrum.
- Waxleaf privet.
- Waxleaf ligustrum.
- Waxleaf privet.
- Privet.
- Southern waxmyrtle.
- Wax myrtle.
- Waxplant.
- Wax myrtle.
- Waxplant.
Source:
Privet | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
Chinese Privet | Mississippi State University Extension Service
Invasives in Your Woodland: Japanese Privet - UMD
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
