Overview
Phillyrea angustifolia is a bushy shrubs in the genus Phillyrea, part of the Oleaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Phillyrea angustifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and coastal. It is native to Mediterranean.
About
Phillyrea angustifolia is a compact evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 3 meters. It features slender, dark green leaves that measure up to 6 centimeters in length. In late spring and early summer, this plant produces small clusters of fragrant off-white flowers in the leaf axils.
About the genus
Phillyrea consists of evergreen shrubs characterized by their simple, opposite, and leathery foliage. These plants produce small, frequently aromatic white blossoms, which are succeeded by berries that range in color from purple to black.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phillyrea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Phillyrea angustifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
- Native to
- Mediterranean
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phillyrea angustifolia
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, with shelter from cold, dry winds. Tolerates partial shade. Salt tolerant foliage suited to exposed coastal sites
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 and Pruning group 8. If grown as a hedge, clip in summer
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to Phillyrea whitefly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phillyrea angustifolia?
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, with shelter from cold, dry winds. Tolerates partial shade. Salt tolerant foliage suited to exposed coastal sites.
Where is the best place to plant Phillyrea angustifolia?
Phillyrea angustifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Phillyrea angustifolia need?
Phillyrea angustifolia grows best in sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Phillyrea angustifolia?
Pruning group 1 and Pruning group 8. If grown as a hedge, clip in summer.
How big does Phillyrea angustifolia grow?
Phillyrea angustifolia reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Phillyrea angustifolia hardy in the UK?
Phillyrea angustifolia has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Phillyrea angustifolia?
Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.