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Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'
waxleaf privot
Species native to eastern Asia — Japan, Korea, and eastern China; cultivar selected in Texas
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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. '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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 9'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
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-winterFoliage 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-roundGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons