My three Sunshine Ligustrum, practically overnight dropped hundreds of leaves and then stopped dropping. Inside branches now brown. Full sun, adequate rainfall in coastal South Carolina.

<i>Ligustrum sinense</b> is somewhat temperamental when it comes to holding onto its leaves. First, though it is listed as an evergreen, it shows some tendencies toward being deciduous. Too, even short periods of very dry or very wet soil can cause (usually) partial defoliation. Watering toward evening can also cause fungal issues that result in shedding of foliage. They're very vigorous, so also like regular application of fertilizer in containers throughout the growth period and when in the ground they usually need an application of fertilizer at least in spring. Cold soil beyond the onset of spring growth can also cause defoliation.

Al

Here is a pic of a troubled sunshine ligustrum. It appears to have new foliage but stems are black.

I don't know what the problem/disease/plague might be. But I do remember that earlier in the year I had a sprinkler problem and the head in that particular area ran for about 20 hours. I don't think my ligustrum quite recovered from that excessive moisture.

Additionally, I have noticed similar bare foliage spots in ligustrums around town and they never seem to fully recover.

I yanked my ligustrum after taking this pic and planted a new one.

I've read this one isn't the best privet for one reason or another. I had tons of issues with mine too.

Photos of your Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense 'Sunshine') might help others determine what the exact cause might be for suddenly dropping hundreds of leaves but my first thought was possibly weather related, moisture related or a combination of both. Did the leaves have any change in color, or any unusual coloration before dropping?

After that initial leaf drop, the plants totally recovered and are more robust than before. Putting it down to temperamentality of the moment.