Is Golden Privet Evergreen or Deciduous? A Full Analysis of Its Winter Growth Habits

Golden privet (Ligustrum × vicaryi) is native to California, USA. It was introduced and cultivated in China in the 1980s. It is distributed in southern North China, East China, South China and other regions. It has strong sprouting ability, grows rapidly, and tolerates pruning. So is golden privet evergreen or deciduous?

1. Is golden privet evergreen or deciduous

Golden privet is a deciduous shrub. Its leaves are golden yellow and it has good ornamental value. As a potted plant, it can be placed on a porch or in a hall for display; in gardens it is often planted in masses or clumps.

2. What is the difference between golden privet and Japanese privet 'Howardii'?

1. Tree form and leaves

Golden privet is a semi-evergreen small shrub, with a plant height of up to 2 m; its leaves are slightly smaller and thinner, and its growth is dense with many branches.

Japanese privet 'Howardii' is an evergreen large shrub, with a plant height of up to 5 m; its growth is sparser with fewer branches, and its leaves are larger and thicker.

2. Heat tolerance and cold resistance

Golden privet is less heat-tolerant than Japanese privet 'Howardii'; for Japanese privet 'Howardii', growing at high temperatures above 35°C will not affect its ecological characteristics and ornamental characteristics.

The degree of cold tolerance differs: golden privet is more cold-resistant than Japanese privet 'Howardii', and Japanese privet 'Howardii' can only be planted in areas south of Beijing.

3. The timing of leaf color change differs

The golden leaf color of golden privet changes in spring and summer, and in autumn and winter most of its leaves have fallen; but Japanese privet 'Howardii' has golden leaves in spring, autumn and winter, may show leaves turning green in summer, and does not drop its leaves in winter either.

The leaves of golden privet are a brilliant golden yellow and its flowers are silvery white, so it carries the meaning of “gold and jade fill the hall”.