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Bud outgrowth dynamics and their implications for shoot architecture were examined in japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) plants under well-irrigated [short irrigation cycle (SC)] and water-limitation [long irrigation cycle (LC)] conditions. New buds had limited sensitivity to dormancy, whereas preformed buds required more than one growing season to outgrow naturally. The first spring flush of shoot growth was mostly the result of lateral bud outgrowth, whereas latter flushes had prominent contributions of new apex buds. First flush terminal stems had mainly determinate growth (episodic). First flush lateral stems had increased occurrence of indeterminate growth (continuous). Water limitation influenced shoot architecture by enhancing apical dominance. Lateral branching was diminished 51% in LC plants compared with SC plants. As plants adapted to the stress imposed, indeterminate growth was triggered more often in meristematic regions of terminal buds of LC plants. In shoot flushes that occurred later in the stress treatment, old buds burst more frequently than the newly formed apex lateral buds. Plants under SC were more compact and better formed as an inverse triangle, whereas plants under LC had considerably less new branches and instead had long branches that would require pruning to maintain aesthetically pleasing shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]