Images Depict Mature Plants
Wavy Leaf Ligustrum
Ligustrum japonicum 'Recurvifolium'
Wavy Leaf Ligustrum is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, rippled foliage and dense, upright habit, making it ideal for privacy hedges and foundation plantings. Its drought tolerance, deer resistance, and adaptability to sun or shade make it a versatile choice for both residential landscapes and commercial screening.
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Wavy Leaf Ligustrum Shrubs (Privet)
Wavy Leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Recurvifolium’) is a striking evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves with a unique wavy texture that adds dimension and interest to any landscape. With its dense, upright growth habit and attractive foliage, this fast-growing plant makes an excellent choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, or formal hedges. It grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide, providing year-round coverage and structure with minimal maintenance.
Ideal for full sun to partial shade, Wavy Leaf Ligustrum is highly adaptable to a range of soil types and is both drought- and heat-tolerant once established. Its fragrant white flowers bloom in late spring, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the dark green leaves remain lush throughout the year. This deer-resistant shrub is a favorite among landscapers for its low-maintenance nature and ability to provide fast, effective coverage in residential and commercial settings alike.
Whether you're looking to create a living privacy wall, define garden boundaries, or enhance foundation plantings, Wavy Leaf Ligustrum delivers dependable performance with visual appeal. Its glossy, curled foliage adds texture and movement to the landscape, while its resilience and fast growth make it a smart investment for long-term landscape solutions. Easy to prune and shape, this versatile evergreen offers beauty, function, and year-round interest in a wide range of landscape designs.
| Hardiness Zone: | 7-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 7 to 8 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 5 to 6 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved evergreen shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Habit: | Densely branched, spreading |
| Foliage: | Dark green |
| Flower Color: | White flowers |
| Pruning Season: | Prune in spring after flowering |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as in the mixed border, foundations, or privacy screen. Excellent for use as a container specimen. |
How to Care for Wavy Leaf Ligustrum
Before you buy a Wavy Leaf Ligustrum Plants, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How do I plant a Wavy Leaf Ligustrum plants?
To plant a Wavy Leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Recurvifolium’), choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade and offers well-drained soil. Start by digging a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball to give the roots plenty of space to spread. Gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly after planting to help the plant establish. For best results, space multiple Wavy Leaf Ligustrum shrubs 5 to 6 feet apart when planting as a hedge or screen to allow for proper air circulation and mature spread. After planting, apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature—keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Water regularly during the first growing season to support root development. With proper planting and care, Wavy Leaf Ligustrum will quickly establish itself as a dense, evergreen privacy screen or decorative focal point in your landscape.
How do I water Wavy Leaf Ligustrum Plants?
Watering Wavy Leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Recurvifolium’) properly is key to establishing strong roots and ensuring vigorous growth. During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Deep, infrequent watering encourages the development of a deep root system, making the shrub more drought-tolerant in the long run. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can help prevent fungal diseases. Once established, Wavy Leaf Ligustrum is quite drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering except during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat. Check the soil moisture regularly, especially in hot weather, and water when the soil feels dry about 2–3 inches below the surface. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help conserve soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. Proper watering practices will ensure that your Wavy Leaf Ligustrum remains healthy, lush, and vibrant, whether used as a privacy screen, hedge, or ornamental accent in the landscape.
How do I fertilize Wavy Leaf Ligustrum Plants?
Fertilizing Wavy Leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Recurvifolium’) helps promote dense foliage, vigorous growth, and a healthy root system—especially in the early stages of establishment. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 12-6-6 in early spring, just as new growth begins. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, staying several inches away from the trunk, and water thoroughly to activate the nutrients. This initial feeding supports lush, green foliage and sets the stage for a season of steady growth. For mature Wavy Leaf Ligustrum plants, one to two feedings per year—once in early spring and again in mid-summer if needed—are usually sufficient to maintain vibrant, healthy growth. If you prefer organic options, compost or well-aged manure can be worked into the soil around the base to provide a slow, natural source of nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive feeding can lead to overly rapid growth and reduced structural strength. With a regular, moderate fertilization schedule, Wavy Leaf Ligustrum will thrive in a variety of landscape settings, from formal hedges and foundation plantings to low-maintenance privacy screens.
How and When Do I Prune My Wavy Leaf Ligustrum Plants?
Pruning Wavy Leaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Recurvifolium’) is essential for maintaining its dense, upright form and encouraging healthy new growth. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring before new growth begins, allowing you to shape the shrub and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to trim back up to one-third of the plant, focusing on shaping it into a uniform hedge or natural form, depending on your landscape goals. Regular pruning helps improve airflow, light penetration, and overall plant vigor. Wavy Leaf Ligustrum responds well to light shaping throughout the growing season, especially if used as a formal hedge or privacy screen. You can perform light maintenance pruning in summer to control size and encourage a more compact, lush appearance. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as new growth may not have time to harden off before winter. With consistent seasonal care, your Wavy Leaf Ligustrum will maintain its attractive, glossy foliage and serve as a standout feature in borders, foundation plantings, or large-scale landscape screens.
