Ligustrum japonicum Rotundifolium - Japanese Privet

Ligustrum japonicum 'Rotundifolium' is a compact bush with a slow growth rate, reaching a maximum height of 1.5m (5ft) and featuring ornamental evergreen foliage.

Native to Japan, this upright and compact privet has tough, opposite, entire, ovate leaves measuring 2 to 6cm (1 to 2in) in length. The leaves are dark green, rounded, thick, and glossy. The young shoots, which are copper-red in colour, contrast beautifully with the older foliage. In July, panicles of white flowers bloom, eventually giving way to black berries, provided it is not pruned.

Caution: all parts of the privet are toxic if ingested.

Very hardy, the round-leaved Japanese privet thrives in any good garden soil, even in limestone-rich soil, in a sunny or partially shaded location. Don't hesitate to prune the new shoots by half each year to prevent it from becoming bare at the base. Mulch during the first summer to maintain soil moisture.

Ligustrum japonicum 'Rotundifolium' is ideal in a container, but also in topiary, or rock gardens. Pair it with other flowering bushes.