Question
Would you recommend a feeding of Hollytone for Ligustram japonicum ?? I plan on fertilizing my plants when I feed my Hollies, etc. in late Feb. or early March. Thanks. MKG

Answer
Ligustram japonicum  -- 'Japanese Privet' to us ordinary folks -- is one of the most cooperative shrubs you can grow.  It's not fussy about Soil, doesn't mind a little shade, feeds your local Birds, and makes a thick hedge without taking a lifetime to fill in.

The Floridata website likes it, too:

http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/ligu_jap.cfm

'Ligustrum is a strong, sturdy plant requiring little care other than regular pruning to maintain desired shape and size.  It will grow in sun or part shade.  In shade and when planted too close or in conditions that limit air circulation, Whitefly and Sooty Mold can become problematical. These are controlled with a soap spray. One of the most common mistakes is planting immature Ligustrums and other large shrubs too close together. Space these at least 5 ft apart and they will grow together to form a solid hedge.'

By the way, 'Glossy Privet', L. lucidum, is sometimes mis-labelled L. japonicum, FYI.  Both of these are not particularly hardy and if you are growing it up North, it may suffer from exposure.

Now, let's take a look at Hollytone.

This is a gentle, Soil-friendly fertilizer with a soft 4-6-4 analysis.  Some people want to dose their shrubs up with bags of 'food' that read 50-80-45, HUGE concentrations of NPK that can't help but shake up metabolism until it's overcharged; then, withdrawal begins, and the plant sits there, stunned, exhausted, with a case of PTSD.  This stuff even puts HUMATES on the plate.  You my friend are an Intelligent Gardener.

Because of its composition, this fertilizer can be applied any time during the year.  Microbes break it down at the Soil level into Private-friendly fuel, then feed it straight into the roots.  The dinner schedule is paced with the Soil temperature, not with the human calendar or clock; this keeps it healthy.  Great product.

Nothing complicated here.  Just good old fashioned plant food, the way it was meant to be used.  Great idea.  Thanks for writing.