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Ligustrum lucidum

Ligustrum lucidum

Question from Paul Lanzon
1023 2
I should like to find out what the annual growth rate of this plant is and whether it would survive in a north-facing coastal garden; it would be planted against a west-facing fence. The garden is very exposed to cold northerly winds coming directly off the sea.
Posted: Thursday 25th of February 2010 01:31 PM

  • Ligustrum lucidum

    Shoot User
    Hi Paul,

    Ligustrum lucidum is a fast growing plant which is fully hardy, although not particularly known for being suitable for exposed coastal gardens.

    You may get away with it, however I would be more inclined to play it safe and go for a plant known for it's tolerance of coastal conditions. From what you say I get the impression you wish to grow this as hedging? Some alternative suggestions which are happy in windswept, salty locations are:

    - Olearia haasti
    - Berberis
    - Escallonia
    - Griselinia littoralis

    I hope this helps. Let us know how you get on!

    Katy
    Replied: Saturday 27th of February 2010 07:17 PM

    • High sceen

      Paul Lanzon
      Hallo Katy,

      Thanks for your reply & suggestions. I ought to have mentioned that this is for my brother's garden and that he is in a fairly desperate situation regarding neighbours who are about to demolish their house (which is attached to my brother's) and build a much higher detached house which will overlap his by 5 metres, casting it in shade; and this will be only two metres from his fence. So he wants instant height. He has already bought the privet which is about 2m tall. I thought bamboo (Phyllostachys bissetii) would be better than the Leylandii he, in his desperation, almost went for. Less than 3ft per season growth would be no use as he will need at least a 10ft high screen. I was thinking in terms of a mixed planting because a uniform hedge would completely ruin the present design of the garden; either way the garden will loose its pleasant openness.

      Paul
      Replied: Sunday 28th of February 2010 01:56 PM

  • Ligustrum lucidum

    Valerie Munro
    Hi Paul,

    I agree with all of Katy's suggestions for plants that are famous for withstanding seaside conditions. The northerly winds sound pretty hostile, but in fact it is the salt that does the damage.

    All of Katy's plants have extremely thick and leathery leaves. For added interest and colour, you could also mix in some more seasonal plants:

    - Rosa rugosa
    - sea buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides
    - and good old Fuchsia magellanica.

    these will give you interesting flowers and autumn berries into the bargain.

    Good luck!
    Auntie Planty
    Replied: Sunday 28th of February 2010 01:14 PM
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