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 city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, coastal, mediterranean climate plants, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About
Phillyrea angustifolia, the narrow-leaved mock privet, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae, native to the western and central Mediterranean. It is an evergreen shrub with simple, entire, leathery, dark green, oppositely arranged leaves. Scented creamy-white flowers are borne at the leaf axils in spring and summer, and are followed by purplish black berries. The genus name Phillyrea is derived from Greek and means 'leafy', while the species' epithet angustifolia means 'narrow-leaved'. Mature plants reach roughly 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and sand soil. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phillyrea angustifolia
About the genus
Phillyrea is a genus of two species of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, and naturalized in the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Wikipedia contributors, "Phillyrea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phillyrea
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
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
- Fragrance
- Scented creamy-white flowers with a mild fragrance.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phillyrea angustifolia
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soil pH; requires well-drained sandy soil; drought tolerant once established; suitable for Mediterranean climates.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Phillyrea whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phillyrea angustifolia?
Prefers full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soil pH; requires well-drained sandy soil; drought tolerant once established; suitable for Mediterranean climates.
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?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Phillyrea angustifolia?
Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
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