Ligustrum sinense
Description
If you’re looking for year-round color to invigorate your garden space, you’ve found it! A lustrous addition to the Southern Living Plant Collection, the Sunshine Ligustrum punctuates any landscape design with a bold array of verdant yellow hues.
In spring, its petite, oval leaves emerge brilliant chartreuse. As the days get longer and the sun peaks, its glossy foliage transforms into a mass of dazzling, summer color ranging from cool, refreshing lime to vivid yellow-gold.
An evergreen shrub, this Ligustrum maintains its lush prominence despite the onset of cooler temperatures, taking on a hint of orange as the shorter days of winter take hold.
And the Sunshine is noninvasive and allergen-free. With the Sunshine Ligustrum, expect to enjoy all the upsides of the privet hedge cultivar and none of the shortcomings. Unlike its close cousins and their notorious reputation for multiplying, this hybrid doesn’t flower or reseed. So when spring comes knocking, the Sunshine won’t be adding to the pollen count!
With the Sunshine, you get bright, ornamental foliage and four seasons of interest without the upkeep. The Sunshine creates a lively hedge along pathways, drives or fencelines. If you have some beds to fill, try arranging your Sunshines in curved patterns or knot-like shapes your garden is guaranteed to get a second look from neighbors and guests. As its name suggests, the Sunshine is easy-going and virtually maintenance-free. Living up to 30 years, it’s drought and heat tolerant, flourishes in just about any soil type, and naturally repels deer. And if you prefer a more informal setting, there’s no need to prune. Left to grow, the Sunshine reaches a maximum height of only four feet, spreading into a bullet shape, with soft, upright branches.
Planting
A minimum of 4 hours of sun is its preference, so seek full sun to partial shade locations (anywhere from 3 to 6 hours of sunlight daily). Soil type doesn’t matter, provided that it’s well-draining. When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole that’s large enough to accommodate your shrub’s root ball, backfill your soil, and mulch the surrounding soil. Finally, water to settle the shrub’s roots.
If you’re planting in a container, select a pot that’s about twice the size of your shrub’s shipped container, use organic soil, and place in an area with adequate sunlight.
Watering
While tolerant of drought once established, good watering is important until your plant reaches that stage. You should water when the surface soil dries to 1 to 3 inches down by touch.
Fertilizing
Avoid highly soluble fertilizers if possible. Slow-release, organic-based nutrient sources are the best. Fertilize in early spring, after the threat of frost has passed.
Pruning
You can shear or prune your Ligustrum in spring and remove dead or damaged branches at any time of year.
| Growing Information | |
| Mature Height: | 3-4 ft |
| Mature Width: | 3-4 ft |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Bloom Time: | |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Grows Well in Zones: | 6-10 |
| Your Growing Zone: | 6 |
