Ligustrum delavayanum

Ligustrum delavayanum is the Delavay privet, a Chinese species grown as a refined alternative to box. Small narrow evergreen leaves give a much finer texture than Japanese privet, and the plant responds beautifully to clipping, which makes it a classic choice for topiary and niwaki cloud-pruning.

Small fragrant white flower clusters appear in summer, followed by small dark berries. Left unclipped it reaches around 3m, but most plants are grown as shaped topiary pieces.

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, sheltered from hard frost in the coldest parts of the UK. Hardy through most of the country once established.

A firm favourite for formal topiary, clipped balls in large pots, and cloud-pruned Japanese-style shapes.