PLANT

The Ligustrum japonicum ‘Variegata’ (commonly known as Variegated Japanese privet) is a an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the family of the Oleaceae. It is a hardy ornamental plant that is highly prized in Italian gardening due to the striking colour contrast of its leaves and its great hardiness.

• • Leaves: The leaves are leathery, glossy and ovate or lanceolate in shape. The distinctive feature of the variegated variety is its dark green centre with cream-white or ivory-yellow edging. 
  • Dimensions: As an adult, it reaches an average height of between 2 and 4 metres, with a width that can reach 2.5 metres. It grows rapidly (up to 50 cm a year). 
  • Flowering and Fruit: Between May and August, it produces small white, fragrant flowers grown in panicles. In autumn, small black or dark purple berries appear; these are highly sought after by birds but toxic to humans. 
  • Poise: It is grown both as a shrub (ideal for dense, screening hedges) and as an elegant avenue tree or specimen tree. 

• Exhibition: He prefers the full sun or the partial shade. The more light it receives, the more vibrant the variegation on the leaves will be and the more profuse the flowering. 
• Temperature: It is a very hardy plant. It tolerates scorching heat, wind and frost down to about -10°C / -15°C. If exposed to extreme and prolonged winter cold, it may lose some of its foliage, which will sprout again in spring. 
• Watering: Moderate. Once established in the garden, it is drought-tolerant, but should be watered regularly in summer (every 7–10 days), taking care to avoid waterlogging. When grown in a pot, it should only be watered when the compost feels dry. 
• Pruning: It tolerates even severe pruning. To keep the crown compact and neat, or to maintain hedges, it is advisable to carry out two to three pruning sessions a year (mainly in late winter and during the summer). 
• Environmental resistance: It is an ideal choice for urban or coastal environments, as it demonstrates a very high tolerance to’air pollution and to the salt marsh.