Ligustrum Ovalifolium

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Oleaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Ligustrum

Species

ovalifolium

Description

A semi-evergreen shrub, native to China and Japan, belonging to the Oleaceae family. It has light grey bark, small, opposite, oval-shaped leaves and white flowers, which appear in early summer in the form of panicles; as the flowers ripen, they produce poisonous black-blue berries in winter. It is sensitive to frost.

Curiosities and special features

The species Ligustrum ovalifolium is widely appreciated in the art of bonsai, that is, the technique of cultivating miniature trees with ancient origins; originating in China and spreading to Japan, it takes on profound meanings that reconcile philosophical and spiritual principles, in the pursuit of a symbiosis between humankind and nature. Today, thanks in part to cultural exchanges and international events in the sector, the cultivation of bonsai has spread throughout the Western world.

Origin and distribution

A species native to China and Japan, now widespread in a wide European range.

Leaf

Leaf has an oval lamina.

Leaf colour

It develops foliage of a uniform colour.

Plant height

The plant’s height varies from 0.25 to 1 m, depending on the growing conditions.

Lifespan

A semi-evergreen perennial shrub.

Where to plant

Plant suitable for cultivation as bonsai in large pots, small pots.

Stem

The stem is woody with light grey bark; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small to medium in size, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small to medium-sized panicle inflorescences. It flowers from early summer to mid-summer, with a flowering period of between 7 and 15 days.

Growth

Shrub with determined growth.

Plant habit

The developed vegetative habitus is erect, giving the plant elegance and relevance.

Branching

It develops Medium branching.

PH

It requires a substrate pH of between 5.5 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

This plant is suitable for partial shade or full sun.

In spring, autumn and winter, keep it in full light. In summer, it should be protected from the sun during the hottest and brightest hours of the day.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C. The survival temperature range is between 0.0 and 45 °C. During the winter, although it is a plant that can withstand fairly cold temperatures, it must be protected from frost and should always be placed in a very bright spot.

Use

Valued and cultivated as a botanical species in:
Outdoor ornamental use Indoor ornamental use

Hardiness

Moderately hardy.

If frosts are expected during the winter, move the plant to a sheltered area to avoid temperatures below 0°C.

Soil

Use a specialised bonsai potting mix with excellent drainage. If necessary, you can prepare a mixture consisting of 50 per cent clay (akadama), 25 per cent drainage material (pumice, sand) and 25 per cent peat-based potting mix.

Difficulty

fairly easy to grow, requires a medium level of maintenance.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips:
Balanced fertilisation Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day In summer, it is best to place the plants in sunny spots only in the morning or in the shade during the hottest part of the day. Prefers water with low calcium content Requires generous watering but without waterlogging

Pruning

Regular maintenance pruning should be carried out during the growing season, by pinching out new shoots and leaving a couple of leaves. In winter, however, more drastic shaping pruning can be carried out.

Propagation

Vegetative propagation is carried out by layering and cuttings.

Repotting

Repot in spring, at the change of season; young plants should be repotted every year as they tend to produce numerous roots, whilst mature plants should be repotted approximately every two years.

Watering

Water by sprinkling water around the base of the plant.

Water daily and generously in spring and summer, and in autumn if the weather is warm, but without causing waterlogging. Reduce the amount during the colder months.

Take great care to avoid waterlogging by placing the plant on a slightly raised surface where possible. In cool or cold weather, always water at the base of the plant without wetting the leaves directly to prevent possible plant diseases.

Fertilising

Spread the granules around the base of the plant in the pot, working them lightly into the soil.

Use specific slow-release organic fertilisers of Japanese origin, with nutrient levels formulated for bonsai. Winter fertilisation should be carried out using an organic fertiliser lower in nitrogen, such as Biogold Classic, to avoid excessive growth. With this method, the plant will be able to obtain the necessary nutrients independently.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

As the flowers ripen, they produce poisonous black-blue berries in winter.