About
Phillyrea latifolia, the green olive, is an evergreen shrub or small tree to 8 m with dark-green leaves up to 6 cm long. Perfumed but unshowy, yellowish-green flowers appear in spring and are followed by black fruits. A handsome and resilient evergreen for hedging, topiary or as a specimen in a sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Phillyrea are evergreen shrubs and small trees with simple, opposite, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant, white flowers followed by purple to black berries. Excellent hardy evergreens for hedging and specimen planting.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants
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. It is an ideal specimen for cloud pruning
PruningPruning group 1 and pruning group 8. If grown as a hedge, clip in summer
PropagationSemi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer (in a propagator,for example)
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