Evergreen Shrubs (Flowering) – Waxleaf Ligustrum

• Waxleaf ligustrum 

Botanical name: Ligustrum japonicum 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity:  7 – 20 ft in height and a 5 – 6 ft spread

Bloom time: early – mid summer

Hardy zone: Zones 7-11

Flower color: white 

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows about 2 ft per year

Pruning instructions: Shape as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: great privacy hedge 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun a day 

Special features: drought tolerant, low maintenance

Watering instructions: keep soil moist during first growing season, more drought tolerant once established, weekly watering during periods of rain drought will be sufficient during the second growing season

Fertilizing instructions : Use 15-5-10 or 15-15-15 in the early spring and early fall

Best time to plant: early spring or fall

Best type of soil: clay 

Companion plants: oleander, hibiscus, bush daisies 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets when ingested 

Invasive species: yes