About
A compact evergreen shrub to 3m tall, with narrow, dark green leaves to 6cm long, and small clusters of scented off-white flowers in the leaf axils in late spring and early summer.
About the genus
Phillyrea are evergreen shrubs with simple, opposite, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant white flowers, followed by purple to black berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toMediterranean
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningPruning group 1 and Pruning group 8. If grown as a hedge, clip in summer
PropagationSemi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to Phillyrea whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility