Ligustrum is very popular specie as bonsai in warmer climate area of the planet. It is native to Japan, Korea and China and It comes in deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen shrubs. It is a really fast grower to a point where it is considered an invasive specie in some states of the USA. The ligustrum or Privet for its common name, do come in many form shape and colors. Each subspecies as its own characteristics, ranging from different leaves sizes, shapes or colors and different growth habits. Many species will produce white tubular flowers in the beginning of summer and the flowers are somewhat fragrant. It will produce small fruits in late summer. Each fruit bear one seeds. In general, the ligustrum is a good plant for beginners as it is very forgiving of tranaing mistakes.
Ligustrum Japonicum
- Japanse Privet
The japanese wax privet is less common as bonsai but it is still a great subject and as the potential to become more popular. This sub species as the name suggest is native of Japan. It is one of the fastest growing subspecies of ligustrum. The leaves are of a semi-dark glossy green and grow in an opposite pattern.
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Ligustrum Obtusifolium
- Border Privet or Regal Privet
This is a deciduous species of ligustrum and it is one of the ligustrum species that is considered invaise and even prohibited in some states of the USA. Similar to other privet, it will grow semi-dark glossy green leaves and will produce not so fragrant flowers. With proper techniques it can produce beautiful upright bonsai tree. It is naturally growing as a multi-stem tree.
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Ligustrum Bonsai care
Light
Almost all ligustrum tree will prefer semi-shade to full sun conditions. It would also grow inside but the lack of light and humidity may create some unwanted effect on your ligustrum bonsai tree.
Watering
Ligustrum Tree will prefer a somewhat constant humidity in their growing soil. Letting the soil dry out could cause roots easily. As it is a fast grower, it needs alot of water to compensate for the heavy growth in summer.
Feeding and Fertilizer
It is not recommended to fertilize for two months after a repoting exercise. In normal growing conditions, half strength home fertilizer is preferred every other week from spring to fall. General and balanced fertilizers will do the job very well.
Ligustrum Bonsai Techniques
As the ligustrum is a vivid grower, it will probably needs repotting every years at the beginning of the summer growing season. Branches and ramification structure can be form and shaped with bonsai wire. Again, as it is a rapid grower, wiring should be done every year to prevent ligature mark on branches.
Ligustrum Bonsai pests and diseases
The ligustrum will prefer air circulation to prevent diseases. It prefers a humid soil but root rot can be a problem if left constantly to wet. Genere insecticides will destroy regular plants pests.
Ligustrum Bonsai propagation
Seed: The tree will start producing seeds in an early stage of life. The seeds are found inside the green to black fruit produce at the end of the growing season. As many subspecies of ligustrum exist, germination pre treatment requirements will differ from sub species to another. Relativly easy germination with ligustrum.
Cuttings: Ligustrum cuttings are easier to root in early spring from juvenile tree shoot. Altough, many have reported success with hardwood cuttings all year long.
Grafting: It is possible to graft ligustrum from various methods. As it is a fast grower, grafting, especially phoenix graft will take rapidly.
