Ligustrum lucidum can be propagated through cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy branch in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in a pot with well-draining soil.

When to Prune Ligustrum. Privet pruning can be done just about any time of the year. However to avoid the risk of damaging new growth, do not prune in late fall in zones 6 to 8a. Heavy pruning to rejuvenate an older plant or control size is best reserved for late winter or early spring.

Ligustrum lucidum, commonly called Chinese privet, glossy privet or waxleaf privet, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to southern China and Korea. It is often grown as a shrub to 12-15' tall, but if trained as a tree will grow much larger to 20-30' tall.

Grow privet in moist but well-drained soil in sun to shade. Keep plants well watered in the first two years and the area around the plants weed-free. Prune once or twice a year to maintain a traditional 'hedge' shape. Be careful to check for bird nests before pruning.