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Variegated Chinese Privet Ligustrum lucidum Excelsum superbum

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Volume Discount 1+ 10+ 50+ 250+
20L pot / 1.50-1.75m £120.00 £114.00 £108.00 £102.00
35L pot / 1.5-1.75m £198.00 £192.00 £186.00 £180.00

Product Description

LIGUSTRUM LUCIDUM EXCELSUM SUPERBUM – Variegated Chinese Privet

Characteristics

Variegated Chinese privet is an attractive striking variegated form of the evergreen tree. It is a common site in the South of Europe as a street tree and as such is usually top grafted onto a stem at about 2m (6ft) to make a standard with a bushy top of leaves mottled deep yellow and creamy white.

Where to grow

In this form it is unlikely to get larger than 6m (20ft) tall. It makes an interesting evergreen screening tree. In very cold winters it can lose some of its leaf cover, it will however re-grow in the spring.

Did you know?

Variegation in plants can occur for a number of reasons, but most commonly it is a genetic experiment that occasionally appears in nature. A white variegation is the result of a plant’s inability to produce any pigment in that area. Orange, yellow, and light green leaf colours result from a reduction in the production of the green pigment chlorophyll, unmasking the orange carotenoid and yellow xanthophyll pigments and allowing them to appear. Shades of pink, red, and purple are the result of anthocyanin pigments. If produced in sufficient quantities, they can mask even the green chlorophyll. Interestingly enough, most temperate deciduous trees and shrubs produce these colours by these same mechanisms in the autumn, but variegation only applies to leaves which show these colours throughout their life cycle.

Features

Mature Height

Small - 5-10 metres

Spread

5-10 metres

Shape / Habit

Round Headed

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Chalk/Limestone
Light sandy

Sun Levels

Full sun

Difficulty / Hard to Grow

Medium

Evergreen / Deciduous

Evergreen

Leaf Colour

Green and Yellow (variegated)

Foliage

Dense

Flower Colour

White

Flowering Month

August
September

Berries / Fruit Colour

Black

Uses

Screening
Garden Tree
Small garden Tree
City/Urban Sites
Flower Arranging

Scent

Scented Flowers

Season

Autumn
Winter

Other Features

Needs shelter
Dislikes cold sites

Aftercare

Pruning Ligustrum Lucidum Excelsum Superbum

Ligustrum Lucidum Excelsum Superbum can be left to as a multi-stemmed shrub or trained with a central leader and clear stem. A multi-stemmed shrub, perhaps forming a hedge, should be pruned annually to encourage bushy growth.

Training as a clear stemmed tree should start with the selection of a leader stem, and then shorten or remove competing leaders. Retain leaves and small shoots whilst the stem is growing as these help strengthen and nourish the plant. Once trained to the height that you want, pinch out the laterals as this will make it bushier. As the head bushes out, the stem can then be cleared of leaves and small shoots.

New shoots can produce plain foliage rather than variegated. It is important to remove these as soon as you spot them; if they are left to grow and then you decide to remove them once established it will dramatically affect the shape.

What time of year should I prune? Prune in spring. Trimming can also be done in summer.

For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.

Watering

The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.

Weed Control

One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.

  1. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
  2. Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
  3. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.

Staking

If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.

Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.

  • 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
  • 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
  • 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.

Ties

Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.

Protection from Animal Damage

Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.

Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?

Yes the delivery costs stay the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.

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