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Ligustrum sinensis 'Variegata' (Variegated Chinese Privet) - A fast growing semi-evergreen shrub typically growing to 5 to 7 feet tall by an equal width with open upright and then horizontal branching holding 1-inch-long elliptical leaves that are a matte green color with irregular creamy white margins. It produces small fragrant white flowers in early summer.
Plant in full sun to fairly dense shade and water occasionally to regularly. The variegation can fade if shade is too deep and also in very cold temperatures but is hardy as a deciduous shrub to -5 °F and useful in USDA Zones 6b and above. Keep trimmed to retain a dense growth habit or leave untrimmed for a more natural open shrub. A beautiful and useful shrub for brightening up a shaded location in the back of the garden.
Ligustrum sinensis is native to China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The name for the genus originated in Latin as was applied by Pliny the Elder to Ligustrum vulgare. The specific epithet refers to the Chinese origins of this plant. The famed British plantsman W.J. Bean (1863–1947), author of the amazing reference Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles and curator at the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew, claimed this species to be the best and most ornamental of the privets", but it does have some negative attributes that should be considered as well. It is best kept away from the house and not planted as a mass planting or hedge as many people are allergic to the pollen of Privets. This species has been scorned by serious gardeners in the Southeastern US because of its propensity to spread and naturalize (become weedy) from birds eating its fruit and spreading its seed widely, though we have never heard of this tendency in drier western gardens. Our thanks to John Greenlee for introducing us to this plant which has long been grown in Southern gardens.
The information displayed on this page about Ligustrum sinensis 'Variegata' is based on the research we have conducted about it in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about this plant as it grows in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant have performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we have received from others and welcome hearing from anyone with information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information that will aid others to better grow it.
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