Waxleaf Privet Hedge

Planting and caring for a Waxleaf Privet Hedge in its staked columnar form involves a few key steps. Here's a guide:

Planting

Choose the Right Location:

• Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure the planting area receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
• The soil should be well-draining. It can tolerate a variety of soil types but does best in fertile, loamy soil.
• Consider the mature size (height and width) and spacing needs when planting multiple plants.

Prepare the Soil:

• Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the plant. Loosen the soil at the bottom to encourage root growth.
• Mix the soil you removed with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content.

Planting Steps:

• Place the Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' in the hole, ensuring it is at the same level it was in its nursery container.
• Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently pressing it down to remove any air pockets.
• Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.

Staking:

• Since this variety is often grown as a staked column, ensure that the stake is secure and upright. You can use garden ties to attach the main stem to the stake, providing support as it grows.

Watering:

• Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season. This helps establish a strong root system.
• Once established, Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' is drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering during dry spells is beneficial.

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
• You can also apply compost or organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and provide nutrients.

Pruning:

• Regular pruning helps maintain the desired shape and encourages dense foliage. Trim back any wayward or overgrown branches.
• The best time to prune is after the flowering period in late spring or early summer.
• Remove any dead or damaged branches throughout the year to keep the plant healthy.

Mulching:

• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but keep an eye out for issues like aphids, spider mites, or leaf spots.
• If problems arise, treat them promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls.

Waxleaf Privet – Privacy Hedge Spacing Guide

When planting Waxleaf Privet columns, spacing depends on the container size and how quickly you want the hedge to fill in. Below are the spacing recommendations for achieving an instant privacy hedge—a full, dense look immediately upon planting—along with the number of shrubs needed for 20 linear feet.

Instant Privacy Hedge

For immediate, dense coverage, plant the shrubs closer together, ensuring that their leaves almost touch. This creates a full privacy screen right away, offering maximum privacy, noise reduction, and a lush, green backdrop without the need to wait for the hedge to mature over time.

On-Center Spacing

On-center spacing refers to the distance between the centers of two adjacent plants. This method ensures uniform spacing across the hedge, promoting even growth and a consistent appearance.

People appreciate Waxleaf Privet Hedges in its staked columnar form for several reasons:

Elegant, Formal Appearance

• The staked columnar shape offers a clean, refined, and upright structure that adds a touch of formality to gardens. It's ideal for creating a sophisticated, manicured look.
• The vertical growth habit can be used to make a striking visual statement, often complementing modern and classic garden designs alike.

Space-Efficient

• The narrow, upright form makes it a great choice for smaller spaces or areas where you want vertical greenery without a lot of width. It can be used in tight planting spaces, along walkways, or between buildings.
• It can serve as an excellent alternative to broader shrubs for privacy screening without occupying too much space.

Versatility in Landscape Design

• These plants work well as stand-alone features, in pairs to frame doorways or entrances, or in rows to create natural screens and hedges.
• The columnar form can be used to draw the eye upwards, adding height and dimension to the landscape.

Low Maintenance

• Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' is relatively easy to care for once established. It requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and is drought-tolerant, making it low-maintenance for busy gardeners.
• Its resistance to pests and diseases further reduces the need for regular intervention.

Evergreen Foliage

• This variety has shiny, dark green, evergreen leaves that provide year-round interest. The foliage remains dense and attractive throughout the seasons, offering consistent color and coverage.
• The evergreen nature also ensures that it can be used for privacy screening all year round.

Windbreak and Privacy

• When planted in a row, staked columnar Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum' can form a dense, evergreen barrier, making it effective for privacy and as a windbreak.
• This makes it a popular choice for urban environments where privacy and noise reduction are often desired.