Ligustrum sinense Sunshine (Chinese Privet)

Ligustrum sinense ‘Sunshine’ (Chinese Privet) is a compact, evergreen shrub with upright stems clothed in ovate, glossy, golden yellow leaves. Panicles of small, white flowers appear in summer. The fragrant blossoms are considered by many to have an unpleasant aroma. They give way to small, glossy blue-black berries that are relished and disseminated by birds.

Ligustrum sinense 'Sunshine' (Chinese Privet) is a compact, evergreen shrub with upright stems clothed in ovate, glossy, golden yellow leaves. Panicles of small, white flowers appear in summer. The fragrant blossoms are considered by many to have an unpleasant aroma. They give way to small, glossy blue-black berries that are relished and disseminated by birds. Sunshine is perfect for small gardens and can be planted in the shrub border, as a small hedge, or in containers.

  • Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm). This plant will naturalize by self-seeding and root sprouts in optimum growing conditions.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought, heat, and salt tolerant.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, leaf-mining moths, scale insects, and thrips. Deer resistant.
  • Prune as needed.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings.
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Find where Ligustrum sinense species is invasive in the United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 10

Heat Zones 6
– 9

Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ligustrum – Privets
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 3'
– 6'
(90cm
– 180cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Prairie and Meadow