I just moved out of a house in Cleveland Ohio last month, I was renting, and the owner doesn't even know what this shrub is when asked. I have pictures of it at
- posted
19 years ago
I just moved out of a house in Cleveland Ohio last month, I was renting, and the owner doesn't even know what this shrub is when asked. I have pictures of it at
It looks like a privet ( Ligustrum ovalifolium ) to me. I have one that is pruned into an umbrella shape. I flowers for about three weeks. It was here (Cincinnati) when I moved in and it was a mess. Frankly, I don't like the fragrance, but some people find it desirable. It is often used as a hedge and can adapts well to sever pruning. It tends to sucker and can get quite large. Mine is about 9 feet high and would be much larger if I didn't severely prune it every year. Here is a link to an image:
Looks like Ligustrum (Privet).
It looks like a privet, Ligustrum. You can do some research on the name to find the exact species. Most garden centers sell them for hedges. I can't imagine why anyone would buy one. Compare Korean lilac. Iris, Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40 "If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming train." Robert Lowell (1917-1977)
Thanks much everyone for responding, at least I know what it is now, and what some alternatives are. That gave me a chance to research it on line for starters and it may be the California variety I had. What's strange is many of the sites I found said that most people don't like the scent, while a few others called it desirable, and a few said either you love it or hate it. Guess I'm one of the few who like it. The owner of the property where this one grows is a friend of mine. Would I be able to cut a piece off his and grow it? If so what part? Can I just pretty much stick it in the ground where I want it? When I moved, the shrub was growing pretty much everywhere, I don't think he'll mind me snipping some off. Thanks again.
My thoughts exactly. Every year I hope the one I have dies. It just isn't that attractive, the flowers are almost inconsequential, and they have a peculiar odor that I find mildly offensive - sort of like boxwood. The thing becomes a tangle of suckers and crossing branches. I would much rather have a crape myrtle, lilac, Japanese maple, oak leaf hydrangea, or any of the dozens of wonderful vibunums.
Since you are in Cleveland, you might take a drive to the Mentor area and visit the Holden Arboretum. They have a wonderful collection of trees and shrubs and a good library. I got a book on plant propagation there at the annual plant sale a few years ago. There are many great nurseries along the lake that sell plants at good prices. Pettiti's has a beautiful new facility not far from Gardenview - a private garden turned park that has a wonderful collection of hellebores. Further east in Madison, you will find the renowned Bluestone Perennials. They have a huge clearance sale every June and sell small shrubs and perennials. I'm sure that you will find many plants that are far superior to that privet - plants with more interesting color and texture, better flowers, better fragrance, and that have more
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