Japanese Privet Silver Star Ligustrum Japonicum Silver Star

Japanese Privet Silver Star, also called Ligustrum Japonicum Silver Star, is a variegated cultivar of Japanese privet that’s perfect for hedging. Ligustrum Japonicum Silver Star is deciduous to semi-evergreen which means it will lose its leaves unless the winter is mild or it’s grown in a sheltered spot. It’s likely to retain the majority of foliage in southern areas of the UK. 
The foliage is attractively variegated with glossy dark green in the centre and creamy silver around the edges. The shrub is densely packed and bushy but doesn’t look dark due to the creamy colour. In summer Japanese Privet Silver Star produces large panicles of fragrant blossom that can measure up to 8 inches in length. These flowers attract pollinators and mature into small black berries for autumn. This pretty shrub has many common names including Ligustrum Texanum Silver Star and Waxleaf Privet Silver Star.

Height And Spread of Japanese Privet Silver Star
Japanese Privet Silver Star can reach heights of 3 metres and a spread of 2 metres but this will take 20-30- years. It can be kept small and neat with a yearly prune.

How Hardy Is Japanese Privet Silver Star
Ligustrum Japonicum Silver Star is very hardy down to sub-zero temperatures if the roots are well-drained. It’s rarely affected by pests and will tolerate drought, exposed areas and coastal sprays once established. 

How To Use Japanese Privet Silver Star
Ligustrum Japonicum Silver Star is a good gap-filler in the border but it’s often bought as an attractive low hedge or privacy screen.  It is tolerant of pollution so suits an urban garden and it makes a great addition to a wildlife garden where its foliage proves shelter for insects and the flowers attract pollinators. 
You can grow Japanese Privet in a container if it is well-watered. The variety Silver Star brightens a patio or deck and it looks good on either side of a front door. 

How To Care For Japanese Privet Silver Star
Ligustrum Japonicum Silver Star will grow in the majority of well-drained soils and is not fussy about pH. Choose a sunny or partially shady spot and the flowers will increase. 
Water well until established and cut back once a year if grown as a hedge. Left to naturalise Japanese privet can be left untouched. 
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the roots in early spring to seal in moisture and provide nutrients in the growing season.