Should I return this shrub?

Nessdizzle Formally 6a, now 9b Central Florida

8 years ago

So fall has come, and I went shopping for some deals...I found this shrub that reminded me of my dappled willow bush but it seemed a lot fuller. I saw the name, but couldn't google it because my phone was dead. There was no real detailed plant id tag on it, just the sticker I put in one of the pics below. Now I haven't put it in the ground yet, because I wanted to learn more about it first. So the more I read the more afraid I get ...I'm reading this thing can get up to 20' high and is extremely invasive!!???!!! I'm not sure if I'm reading the right info because this is a Home Depot purchase so who knows if the label is the right one...because they don't sell barberry bushes or burning bush here anymore due to the invasiveness so maybe I'm looking at the wrong ones? Can someone help me out with any information on this shrub, and should I plant it? Also is it a bad idea to plant near my house to fill a 8' gap?

Featured Answer

NHBabs z4b-5a NH

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Ligustrum is privet and at least one type of Ligustrum is invasive in your area, but there aren't flowers or a species label on the pot, just the genus. Having grown up with privet in the neighborhood, I can't stand the smell of the flowers, and yes they are invasive to varying degrees in various places. I also think that they are one of the world's most boring plants, and IMO that tiny bit of variegation doesn't make it look any better. I wouldn't hesitate to return it ASAP for one of the bazillion more ornamental plants in existence.

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Comments (6)

Nessdizzle Formally 6a, now 9b Central Florida
Original Author
8 years ago
Yeah thanks babs, AGAIN!! Hahaha I bought on a whim because it was on sale, and I liked the flowiness of it and the shape...but the more research I did, the more I realized this thing is going to be an issue lol...between invasiveness, smell, the pollen I hear is awful etc etc so it will be going back today
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Embothrium
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I see Ligustrum sinense mentioned as a nuisance species in eastern locations. So, yes you may have brought home another Japanese barberry or burning bush. There is a number of trees and shrubs still in production back there that are actually weeds in the region, due to the similarity between Eastern North American and E Asian climate conditions. State noxious weed designations don't seem to be automatic causes for removal from the marketplace. And such designations are also not necessarily comprehensive or quick.

You don't say where you have looked on the web but if you check your State and County weed information ("massachusetts noxious weeds", "massachusetts weed list", "[your county] noxious weeds" etc.) before shopping you can at least see which ones are mentioned at this time. Maybe look up nearby States as well as your own in case your State listing is not very complete.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years ago
and no more shopping with a dead phone.. lol ...

however .... relying on a pot tag.. can.. in itself ... be problematic .... but the phone would have pointed that out ....

when you think about it ... its even a bit more entertaining. .that they are getting 50 bucks for an invasive.. whats that all about ... lol

ken
Nessdizzle Formally 6a, now 9b Central Florida
Original Author
8 years ago
No kidding Ken! I don’t understand why they’d have it for sale knowing it’s invasive...regardless I returned it and for the $50 I got 2 5’ “Emerald Green” arborvitae trees, a Hinoki Cypress, and a kalmia latifolia “Peppermint” so I’m pretty happy hahaha
ophoenix
8 years ago
Great negotiating! It took guts and you should be very proud of the new plants.