Also known as Japanese Liguster · Japanese Privet · Japanese Wax-Leaf Privet
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Wax-leaf ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum) is a dense, evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy, leathery leaves and fragrant white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C during the growing season; can tolerate cooler winter temperatures.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed bi-annually with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water wax-leaf ligustrum thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging.
Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, especially in containers.
Prune wax-leaf ligustrum to maintain shape and size, or to remove dead or damaged branches. Heavy pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to encourage bushiness.
Propagate wax-leaf ligustrum from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. Insert cuttings into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Rooting typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Alternatively, seeds can be sown in autumn, but germination may be slow.
Repot young wax-leaf ligustrum plants every 1-2 years, or when they become root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Mature plants may only need repotting every 3-5 years.
Repot in spring before active growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Wax-Leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum)
Where Wax-Leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Ligustrum |
| Species | Ligustrum japonicum |
Similar in genus Ligustrum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
