All You Need to Know About Variegated Privet

Table of Contents

What is Variegated Privet?

Variegated Privet, scientifically known as “Ligustrum japonicum 'Variegatum”, is a popular shrub that hails from the olive family. It features attractive variegated foliage with creamy white and green patterns on its leaves, which add a pop of color to any garden or backyard.

Benefits of Growing Variegated Privet

There are various benefits to growing Variegated Privet in your landscape design:

• Aesthetically pleasing: The plant is loved for its striking variegated leaves, providing beauty and interest to your garden.
• Versatile: This shrub can be grown as a hedgerow, a topiary, or as an ornamental plant in container gardens.
• Low maintenance: Variegated privet requires minimal care and attention, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.

Popular Varieties of Variegated Privet

Some popular varieties of Variegated Privet include:

• Aureum (Variegated Golden Privet)
• Tricolor (Variegated Silver Privet)
• Rotundifolium (Variegated Roundleaf Privet)

Growing and Caring for Variegated Privet

When planting and caring for Variegated Privet, here are some essential things to keep in mind:

Choosing a Location

• Variegated Privet requires partial to full sunlight to thrive. Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.
• Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging.
• Plant preferably in Spring while the soil is still moist.

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Prepare the soil by making it well-draining soil that has organic matter with a pH of 6 to 8.
• Water the plant deeply and keep the soil moist until the root system is established.
• Fertilize with regular, balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Watering and Fertilizing

• Water the plant regularly in the first year until its roots are established, then water every 2-3 weeks.
• Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Pruning

• Variegated privet requires pruning to maintain its shape and size.
• Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and size in place.
• Avoid heavy pruning as it may affect blooming.

Propagation

• Variegated privet can be propagated from cuttings in the summer season.
• Take cuttings two inches long with at least two leaf nodes and insert them into moist potting soil.
• Keep the soil moist and transfer the cuttings into a larger pot after they have rooted.

Landscaping Ideas

Variegated Privet offers a range of possibilities when it comes to landscaping. Here are some ideas:

• Use Variegated Privet as a hedge plant.
• Create a topiary by trimming the shrub into different shapes.
• Group the plants in containers for a stunning display on your patio or balcony.

Final Thoughts on Growing and Caring for Variegated Privet

Growing and caring for Variegated Privet is quite easy, with minimal attention required. The plant offers various landscape possibilities and adds color to any garden or container garden. Remember that pruning should be done immediately after flowering, and fertilizing should be done during the growing season.

FAQ

What are the benefits of growing variegated privet?

Variegated Privet is an aesthetically pleasing shrub with striking variegated foliage, while also being versatile and requiring low maintenance.

How often should I water my variegated privet plant?

Water the plant regularly in the first year until its roots are established, then water every 2-3 weeks.

When is the best time to prune variegated privet?

Prune Variegated Privet immediately after flowering to maintain shape and size in place.

Can variegated privet be propagated from cuttings?

Yes, Variegated Privet can be propagated from cuttings in the summer season.

What are the most common pests and diseases that affect variegated privet?

Common pests include mites, scales, and whiteflies, while common diseases include powdery mildew and leaf spot.

Is variegated privet a good choice for hedges?

Yes, it can be grown as a hedgerow due to its easy maintenance, versatility in pruning, and aesthetic value.

What other plants pair well with variegated privet in a landscape design?

Variegated Privet pairs well with Loropetalum, Hydrangeas and Magnolias for an eye-catching landscape design.

Can variegated privet be grown in containers?

Yes, it can be grown as an ornamental plant in containers.

Is variegated privet poisonous to humans or pets?

All parts of the Variegated Privet plant are toxic if ingested by humans or pets.

Does variegated privet attract wildlife?

Variegated Privet is not a primary source of food for wildlife but may attract bees and butterflies.