About
Phillyrea latifolia 'Buxifolia', mock privet 'Buxifolia', is a dense, rounded, evergreen shrub or tree to 9 m with oval, glossy, dark-green leaves. Inconspicuous, scented, greenish-white flowers are borne in small clusters in early summer, followed by spherical, blue-black fruits. An excellent, hardy evergreen for hedging, topiary or as a specimen.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningSee pruning group 1 or pruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering in autumn
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