Ligustrum obtusifolium Ilvomassi - Privet

Ligustrum obtusifolium 'IIvomassi' is a new variety of bush with rounded leaves that does not require pruning, allowing you to enjoy its generous, highly fragrant pendulous clusters of white flowers in summer, followed by its blue-black fruits until winter. Under the effect of cold weather, its leaves take on beautiful reddish colours, which they retain for several weeks. This low-maintenance shrub, while being an excellent hedge plant, also works well in shrub beds. Its flowers feed bees and its fruits delight birds.

Ligustrum obtusifolium is a deciduous shrub in the olive family, native to Korea, Japan, and northeastern China. Its foliage is generally deciduous in winter, but it will persist in mild climates. The cultivar IIvomassi was selected for its reduced growth: at maturity, it will reach an average height of 1.50 m (5ft) (up to 2 m (7ft) in very favourable conditions) with a width of 1.30 m (4ft) to 1.50 m. The plant develops a flexible, well-branched, very natural bushy habit. Its downy branches bear leaves arranged in an opposite manner. They are entire, ovate with a tapered tip, shiny, and light green in spring, becoming darker in summer and measure 2 to 6 cm (1 to 2in) long and 4 to 25 mm (1in) wide. Flowering occurs in June-July in the form of conical and pendulous clusters, 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) long, emerging at the end of each branch. Each inflorescence consists of several small white, nectar-rich, and fragrant flowers. They give way to berries which are black-violet at maturity, provided the bush is not pruned. All parts of the bush are toxic if ingested.

The discreet yet elegant and fragrant Ligustrum obtusifolium can be used in multiple ways: as a hedge, as a standalone plant, in shrub beds, or even in containers. Its moderate growth exempts the gardener from any pruning, even when planted in a boundary hedge. It does, however, tolerate pruning well and is wonderfully suited to topiary art, making it highly appreciated by bonsai enthusiasts. Also, combine it with other easy-care shrubs, such as evergreen viburnums, Abelias, lilacs, Berberis...