Ligustrum japonicum Texanum - Japanese Privet

Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum', commonly known as the Texas Privet, is an excellent cultivar of Japanese Privet that originated in a Texan nursery and was introduced to the horticultural market in 1954. This beautiful bush is still widely planted in regions with mild winters, both in gardens and green spaces. Often used to create single-species hedges due to its dense evergreen foliage, this bush, when left unpruned, offers an ornamental summer flowering with large clusters of white-cream flowers, sometimes with a slightly overpowering scent. Then come its beautiful clusters of black berries, which are enjoyed by birds. Whether placed at the back of a border or in a free-standing hedge, its bold and lush green silhouette is always striking. In summary, this Texas Privet is a sturdy hedge plant as well as an excellent garden bush, pleasant in all seasons.

Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' is a horticultural creation with somewhat obscure origins. It is undoubtedly descended from Japanese Privet, an evergreen bush native to Japan, as its name suggests. The plant, which grows relatively slowly, naturally has an upright and dense habit. When left unpruned, this bush reaches an average height of 4.5m (15ft) with a spread of 2.5m (8ft), sometimes up to 6m (20ft) depending on growing conditions. The branches bear mostly evergreen leaves (deciduous in cold climates), which are leathery, opposite, entire, ovate, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long, and thick and glossy on the upper surface. Each leaf appears folded in half along the very pronounced midrib. The young shoots, with their acidic green colour, contrast beautifully with the older foliage, which is a deep and rich green. From May to July, depending on the region, conical 10cm (4in) long panicles composed of small white flowers bloom on the current year's growth. Their scent, sometimes considered slightly sour, attracts many pollinating insects. They give way to small black berries, provided no pruning is done after flowering. The bark of the Texas Privet is grey, dotted with white lenticels. It should be noted that all parts of the privet are toxic to humans if ingested. Moderately hardy, this Texan Japanese Privet is often considered sensitive to temperatures below -5 to -7°C (23 to 19.4°F), which cause it to lose its foliage. Once established, however, it can withstand brief frosts of around -12°C (10.4°F), with new foliage appearing in spring.

Privet is an easy-going bush. A godsend for uninspired gardeners, valued for adding a precise, orderly, reassuring note to the structure of the garden, it has the advantage of bringing a touch of luxuriance and life to neglected areas. Perfect for creating topiaries, it will capture attention for a good part of the year with its beautiful flowering, fruits, and foliage that is full of character, while also preserving privacy and providing shelter for many small beneficial garden creatures. It deserves the honour of being allowed to grow freely, in a grove of humble but very useful bushes with colourful foliage and fruits, such as the wayfaring tree, cotoneaster, firethorn, holly, elaeagnus, deciduous or evergreen spindle trees, brooms, viburnum, and bay laurel. Be inspired!