🌿 Ligustrum ‘Howardii’ (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Howardii’)

Ligustrum ‘Howardii,’ often called Golden Ligustrum, is a vibrant evergreen shrub known for its striking golden-yellow foliage that brightens any landscape. With its dense, upright growth and ability to handle pruning, it’s a versatile choice for hedges, borders, or stand-alone accents. Hardy and low-maintenance, this shrub brings both structure and color contrast to Florida yards.

🌸 Flowers & Foliage

• Foliage: Bright golden-yellow to lime green leaves; color intensifies in full sun

• Flowers: Small, white, fragrant clusters in late spring to early summer

• Fruit: Occasional small black berries, enjoyed by birds

🌱 Plant Details

• Type: Evergreen shrub

• Mature Size: 8–10 ft. tall × 4–6 ft. wide (smaller with pruning)

• Growth Habit: Upright, dense, and moderately fast-growing

• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (best golden color in full sun)

• Soil: Adaptable; thrives in well-drained soils but tolerates clay, sand, or loam

• Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10

• Maintenance: Low; prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and size

🌟 Why We Love It

• Brilliant foliage — golden leaves add instant brightness and contrast

• Versatile — works as hedge, border, or specimen plant

• Low-maintenance — tough and easy to grow in varied soils

• Wildlife value — flowers attract pollinators, berries feed birds

🌼 Landscape Uses

• Formal or natural hedges

• Accent plant in mixed beds

• Bright backdrop for darker-leaved plants

• Foundation plantings or property borders

• Container planting for year-round color

⚠️ Plant Notes

• Best color develops in full sun; in more shade, foliage shifts toward green.

• Can grow large if not pruned; plan spacing accordingly for hedges.

✅ Level To Leaf Tip: Plant Ligustrum ‘Howardii’ where it gets maximum sun — the golden foliage will light up the landscape and create striking contrast against deeper greens and flowering plants.