Lakeshore Garden Centres Plant Finder

Other Names:  Tree Ligustrum, Chinese Privet, White Wax Tree

Description:

An attractive tree form with waxy, pointed leaves that emerge pink, and mature to green, yellow and white; this tree attains a rounded vase shape as it ages; stunning panicles of white flowers in spring; berries are quite messy and will stain walkways

Ornamental Features

Tricolor Glossy Privet features showy panicles of white flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early summer. It has green foliage edged in yellow with hints of white which emerges pink in spring. The glossy pointy leaves remain green throughout the winter. It produces purple berries in late fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Tricolor Glossy Privet is a multi-stemmed evergreen tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Tricolor Glossy Privet is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Tricolor Glossy Privet will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.