Ligustrum lucidum 'Bokrascreen' GREEN SCREEN glossy privet, Chinese privet
Ligustrum
The genus Ligustrum comprises around 44 species of shrubs and small trees distributed mainly across the temperate and subtropical regions of Eurasia, with its centre of diversity in East Asia. Native species also occur in Europe, North Africa and as far as Australia (Queensland). Somewhat surprisingly, privets belong to the diverse olive family (Oleaceae), which also includes syringa, fraxinus and forsythia. The greatest species richness is found in China, Japan and Korea, from where privets spread into gardens around the world. Fossil records of Ligustrum are scarce, but pollen grains and macrofossils from the Tertiary period confirm its presence in warm forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Botanically, the genus is characterised by opposite leaves, small four-petalled flowers arranged in panicles, and drupe-like fruits that are particularly attractive to birds. It was precisely this combination of inconspicuous flowers and fruit that gave rise to the Latin name, derived from ligare – to bind – referring to the dense, interwoven growth of the branches. The genus was formally defined in the 18th century as part of the systematic classification of plants, although its taxonomy has never been entirely free of debate. Some species were historically transferred between Ligustrum and Syringa, mainly due to similarities in flower structure, and only modern molecular analyses have confirmed their distinct status. In European garden culture, privet became a symbol of clipped hedges, while in Asia it was perceived more as a natural component of woodland edges and village gardens.
Ligustrum lucidum, Chinese privet or glossy privet, originates from East Asia, primarily China, where it grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree along forest margins, in valleys and near villages and towns. The species was described by William Townsend Aiton (1766–1849) at the end of the 18th century, based on plants cultivated in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where it arrived through botanical expeditions and the intensive exchange of plants between Europe and Asia. It differs from other privets in its calm, almost arboreal presence and its strikingly glossy leaves, which appear refined and luxurious throughout the year, making it a sought-after plant for formal and representative plantings. After its introduction to Europe and confirmation of its hardiness in temperate climates, it quickly spread far beyond its native range. In warmer parts of the world, it became a typical tree-form privet of streets, courtyards and parks, until it became apparent that under ideal conditions it can behave invasively; in some regions it is now considered problematic and subject to extensive control measures.
In the Chinese cultural context, Ligustrum lucidum holds a deeper and more layered significance than most of its relatives. Its fruits, known as nu zhen zi (女贞子), have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and are symbolically associated with longevity and vitality. Equally remarkable was its role in the economy: Chinese privet served as a host plant for the insect Ericerus pela, which produces thick waxy coatings on the branches. These were scraped off in autumn and processed into so-called white wax, used in the manufacture of candles, seals and medicinal preparations. This technology is more than a thousand years old, and until the early 20th century, when it was displaced by industrially produced paraffin, white wax was among the most widely used waxes. The collection and processing of wax constituted a distinct and respected craft, securing this otherwise unassuming tree a firm place in everyday life and the cultural memory of its homeland.
GREEN SCREEN is a remarkable cultivar of Chinese privet. It is a reliably evergreen shrub with medium-sized, evergreen, ovate leaves of attractive colouring. In spring, new growth emerges in a striking mahogany red, which gradually fades as the leaves mature, turning olive green. Before maturing to solid green, however, the matte underside briefly takes on a soft pink hue. The leaf margins retain a fine red edging for a long time, and young shoots are similarly mahogany red. If the shrub is not pruned during the growing season, it produces an abundant display of attractive, conical panicles of white flowers in the second half of summer, which may be followed by small, dark, poisonous fruits. Their formation can easily be prevented by a simple pre- or post-flowering shearing.
It grows upright at a moderate rate (approximately 30 cm per year), forming dense shrubs of oval to rounded pyramidal shape that can be shaped in virtually any way. Pruning is best carried out immediately after flowering if flowering is desired the following year, or from late winter to mid-summer. Without pruning, it reaches around 4–5 metres in height in gardens, and up to twice that in warmer climates where root space is unrestricted. It can be used as a hedge planted at approximately 70 cm intervals, or as an attractive, flowering, evergreen specimen with interesting seasonal leaf colour changes.
GREEN SCREEN privet was developed by Dutch breeder Kees Jan Kraan in collaboration with the nursery Boot & Dart. Work began in 2005 with the collection of the most promising parent plants for crossbreeding, from which a standout seedling was selected. It immediately distinguished itself through its fine structure, colouring and healthy foliage, and as a bonus demonstrated improved frost hardiness. Paradoxically, it initially failed to appeal to its intended audience – suppliers of plants for public landscaping. It was only when Plantipp, representing breeders’ rights, recognised its potential and decided to introduce it to retail customers in Europe and the USA as an evergreen shrub suitable not only for hedging but also as an attractive specimen plant. It received its second chance in 2023 at the GrootGroenPlus trade fair, where it was awarded a silver medal (KVBC Silver Medal). The cultivar is protected by European plant patent EU 44346, granted in 2016.
Glossy privet requires well-drained, moderately fertile soil and thrives in full sun or partial shade; in deep shade it flowers less and loses its compact form. Permanently waterlogged, heavy clay or otherwise impermeable soils lead to root problems and gradual decline. Once established, it tolerates prolonged summer drought and high temperatures exceptionally well, but appreciates natural moisture during winter, particularly in sheltered urban locations; in exceptionally dry winters, occasional watering during frost-free periods is advisable. Mulching helps maintain stable soil moisture and protects roots from frost, and is therefore beneficial year-round. Fertilisation is not essential, but a single spring application of a balanced fertiliser supports vigour and dense foliage. To maintain shape, encourage bushiness or limit growth, pruning can be carried out after flowering or in late winter; it is never recommended to remove more than one third of the crown at once. Both fruits and leaves are mildly toxic, so consumption by children and pets should be prevented. For hedges, plants are spaced 0.6–1.2 m apart; for specimen or shaped use, a spacing of 2–4 m is appropriate. The cultivar GREEN SCREEN has already been tested in winter temperatures down to –20 °C without any damage, even in poor soils, and further trials are ongoing.
Last update 16-02-2025; 06-04-2026
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- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
