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Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'

waxleaf privot

Oleaceae

Species native to eastern Asia — Japan, Korea, and eastern China; cultivar selected in Texas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' is waxleaf privet (Texas privet), an upright evergreen shrub growing 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide. White tubular flowers in dense terminal panicles 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) in June-July (4 weeks). Strongly fragrant (sweet, heavy — allergenic for some). Blue-black berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) in fall-winter. Glossy dark green waxy oval leathery leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). In Oleaceae spp.. 'Texanum' is more compact than the species, selected in Texas. Tolerates almost any soil, drought, heat, pollution, and heavy pruning. The species is classified as invasive in several southeastern US states — bird-dispersed berries spread into natural areas. This invasive potential is the primary ecological limitation. The strong flower fragrance is allergenic for some. All parts mildly toxic (ligustrin glycoside). Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Species native to eastern Asia — Japan, Korea, and eastern China. Cultivar selected in Texas.

Suggested Uses

Grown as an evergreen formal hedge, screen, or topiary, and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m). Tolerates heavy pruning. Invasive species concerns in SE US. Allergenic flower fragrance. Mildly toxic. Zones 7-10.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy dark green waxy-sheened oval evergreen leaves, dense upright white fragrant flower panicles, and blue-black berries on an upright shrub. The thick waxy leaf sheen distinguishes 'Texanum' from other privets. In Oleaceae spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 9'

Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

Early to midsummer (June-July). White tubular flowers in dense terminal panicles 3-6 inches (7-15 cm). Strongly fragrant (allergenic for some). 4 weeks. Bee- and butterfly-visited. Blue-black berries follow in fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, tiny, tubular, 0.2 inch (5 mm), in dense upright terminal panicles 3-6 inches (7-15 cm); June-July; strongly fragrant (sweet, heavy — the strong scent is allergenic for some individuals); followed by blue-black berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) in fall-winter

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green above with a waxy sheen, lighter matte green beneath, oval, leathery, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); the thick waxy cuticle gives the leaf surface a high-gloss appearance; evergreen year-round

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand chalk

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade (4-10 hours). Almost any soil pH 5.0-8.0. Drought-tolerant once established. Tolerates clay, chalk, heat, and pollution. Species invasive in SE US — remove flower panicles before fruiting to reduce seed dispersal. Strong flower fragrance allergenic for some. Mildly toxic (ligustrin). Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10.

Pruning

Prune late spring through summer (May-August) to shape. Tolerates heavy formal hedging and shearing. Multiple shearings per season maintain dense form. Remove flower panicles before fruiting if invasive spread is a concern.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer