Ligustrum lucidum 'Excelsum Superbum'
Chinese privet, Wax leaved privet, Glossy privet
- Height × spread
- 6m × 2.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Spring & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a variegated form of the Chinese privet with handsome, variegated foliage. The large, long leaves are bright-green with some lighter green marks and the whole leaf is irregularly and broadly edged with golden-yellow a striking colour effect in the winter garden. There are white frothy panicles of fragrant flowers in autumn, which remain and turn chestnut-brown over winter. This, like the species, Ligustrum lucidum, is tolerant and easy going.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Stem colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-vanilla
- Shape
- Oval
- Height
- 6m
- Spread
- 2.5m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Screening, Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Walls
- East, South, West facing
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Ligustrum
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Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Lemon and Lime'
Golden privet
Ligustrum
Privet
Ligustrum 'Vicaryi'
Privet
Ligustrum delavayanum
Delavay's privet
Ligustrum ibota Musli = 'Muster'
Japanese ibota privet
Ligustrum japonicum
Japanese privet