How to Prune Curly Ligustrum

Curly ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum “Rotundifolium”), better known as curly leaf ligustrum or roundleaf Japanese privet, is an evergreen shrub that reaches approximately 5 to 6 feet in height. It’s notable for its curly, round leaves and is often grown as a container plant. Curly ligustrum is cared for in a similar manner as other privets. It also tolerates pruning well and can be pruned any time of year.

Garden clippers

Instructions

- 1
  Trim curly ligustrum branches to shape the plant as desired. Many gardeners shape a curly ligustrum like a Christmas tree with the top branches smaller than the bottom branches and others shape it like a shrub. Cut the branches just above the leaf nodes with a pair of sharp garden clippers.
- 2
  Cut the lower side stems off at the trunk. This style of pruning makes a curly ligustrum appear more like a tree with an exposed trunk rather than a shrub. Use a pair of garden clippers to make clean cuts flush against the trunk.
- 3
  Prune wayward or misshapen curly ligustrum branches, as desired. Cut the branches just above a leaf node with a pair of garden clippers.
- 4
  Cut back an overgrown curly ligustrum that is too large for its space. Prune it all the way back so it only stands 2 or 3 feet from the ground, cutting stems back to parent branches or leaf nodes. According to North Carolina State University, a curly ligustrum will recover from a severe pruning like this in two or three years.

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