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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.
This information about Ligustrum sinensis 'Variegata' displayed on this web page is based on research we have conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations we have made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how our crops have performed in containers in the nursery field. Where appropriate, we will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.
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