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Description
Ligustrum Ovalifolium, also known as the California Privet, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is a fast-growing, dense shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide. This plant has oval-shaped, dark green leaves that grow up to 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. It produces small white flowers in the springtime, which can turn into small black berries in the fall. This plant is commonly used for hedges, borders, and screens due to its dense growth habit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Ligustrum |
Appearance
The Ligustrum Ovalifolium plant has a dense growth habit with oval-shaped, dark green leaves that grow up to 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. It produces small white flowers in the springtime, which can turn into small black berries in the fall. This plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, making it a popular choice for hedges, borders, and screens. It is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter months.
Care Guide
The Ligustrum Ovalifolium plant requires moderate watering, especially during the hot summer months. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. This plant is not very picky about fertilization, but it can benefit from a general-purpose fertilizer applied in the springtime. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in hardiness zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ligustrum Ovalifolium plant is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This plant is also susceptible to root rot if it is planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
The Ligustrum Ovalifolium plant is native to Japan and Korea but has been widely cultivated in North America and Europe. It prefers well-draining soil and can grow in a variety of habitats, including full sun to partial shade. This plant is commonly used for hedges, borders, and screens due to its dense growth habit.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Ligustrum Ovalifolium plant be grown indoors?
A: No, this plant requires full sun to partial shade and is not suitable for indoor growing.Q: Can the Ligustrum Ovalifolium plant tolerate drought?
A: While this plant can tolerate some drought, it prefers moderate watering during the hot summer months.Q: Can the Ligustrum Ovalifolium plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.Q: When is the best time to prune the Ligustrum Ovalifolium plant?
A: The best time to prune this plant is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Related Plants
- Ligustrum Japonicum
- Ligustrum Lucidum
- Ligustrum Vulgare
References
- “Ligustrum ovalifolium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281513. Accessed 29 September 2021.
- “Ligustrum ovalifolium.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/562/. Accessed 29 September 2021.
