Ligustrum Japonicum Full Standard Tree

Ligustrum Japonicum is also known as Evergreen Privet or Wax Leafed Privet. This is a Japanese Privet Tree (Latin Name: Ligustrum Japonicum) trained in a 'standard' tree shape - meaning it has a thick crown of foliage on a long clear stem. It grows at a rate of 20-30cm per year and can reach an ultimate height and spread of 6m.

Originating from Japan and Korea, this tall Ligustrum japonicum full standard tree has a thick covering of shiny, dark green leaves all year round, making it an excellent evergreen screening plant. The leaves are somewhat pear-shaped with a pointed end. They tend to measure 5 to 10 centimeters long and 2.5 to 5 centimeters wide. The top side of the leaf is darker than the underside and sports five or six raised veins that stand out in stark contrast to the rest of the leaf. Variegated varieties of the Ligustrum Japonicum sport lovely leaves that are a marbled mix of dark green and cream colours. 

Because of its tall elegant trunk, these mature evergreen trees work particularly well when used as stilted hedging for above the fence line screening. These Ligustrum Japonicum Full Standards have been shaped over time to have a crown of evergreen foliage above a clear straight stem of at least 190 cm from the pot to the base of the crown (depending on which you select). 

White flower panicles appear in the spring. Each panicle measures about 12 to 20 centimeters in length. The clusters of blossoms have a sweet, pleasing fragrance. After flowering, green berries appear that ripen to a shiney black colouration during late summer. The dark berries tend to persist on the tree into the winter months and add visual interest. Songbirds love dining on the berries and they are an invaluable food source during the early winter months when berries are often scarce. 

Japanese Privet is fully hardy in the United Kingdom. This cultivar is evergreen in areas where winters are milder, but may lose part of its foliage if winters are severe or they are planted in particularly exposed locations.

Handy Tips: Trim Ligustrum Japonicum to shape in late winter - if you clip during the late summer you will lose the flowers and the berries. As the tree ages, it tends to develop an open form. Many people prune the tree up to create a bonsai-like appearance. The tree's rapid growth rate makes it a favourite for creating topiary specimens. Although, the tree tolerates pruning well, it does not require it. When left to grow naturally, the Ligustrum japonicum develops a multi-stemmed form. Ligustrum Japonicum is exceptionally hardy and naturalizes well in areas with mild winters. It requires very little care to thrive.The Ligustrum japanicum grows well in full sun or partial shade. It is not overly picky about soil type. Once established, it can withstand periods of drought.  

We also have mature Ligustrum Japonicum variegated in a full standard shape. 

Max Height 6m Approx.