Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum) is a tree that can grow 8m – 15m tall and wider than 8 metres wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum).
This plant has several common names including: Chinese privet, Chinese wax tree, glossy privet, shining-leaved privet or white wax tree.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 20-50 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Chinese privet, Chinese wax tree, glossy privet, shining-leaved privet, white wax tree
Scientific name: Ligustrum lucidum
Plant type: Trees
Habit: Bushy
Height: 8m – 15m
Spread: Wider than 8 metres
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Planting type: Hedging & Screens, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum) – Taken by Fanghong, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are essential plants in gardens, large and small, with their sculptural presence.
In terms of design, they add height, structure and interest all year round with attractive flowers, foliage, fruits and trunks.
In addition, they provide home and a food source for birds and other wildlife.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Ligustrum lucidum likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum) – Fernando Losada Rodríguez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
