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Phillyrea latifolia
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Phillyrea latifolia

Store / Hedging
SKU 1436
€16,62
Price incl. 6% IVA (6%) €0,94
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Phillyrea latifolia
Store / Hedging
Plant Details
Plant Type: Large shrub or small tree
Aspect: Full sun but will take partial shade
Foliage: Evergreen
Flower colour: White
Flowering period: Spring
Size - height & spread : 5-8 m x 3-5 m
Soil type/requirements: Extremely tolerant, dry, shallow, unimproved
Water requirements (established plants): Natural rainfall
Native Distribution: Mediterranean area of Europe and North Africa. Portugal
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The broad-leaved Phillyrea, also known as mock privet or green olive tree, is a small tree or evergreen shrub in the Oleaceae family. Originally from the Mediterranean basin, its range extends from Portugal and Morocco in the west to the Levant in the east. It is also found in parts of North Africa and Western Asia. It typically grows to a height of 8 metres with a rounded, dense crown and leathery, dark green, glossy leaves that resemble those of the olive tree. Spring (March–May) sees the appearance of small, creamy-white or greenish-white flowers that are mildly fragrant and attractive to pollinators. These develop into blue-black or dark purple drupes in autumn, which serve as a food source for birds.
P. latifolia is commonly used in topiary (although it is rarely seen in southern Portugal), due to its dense evergreen foliage and excellent response to pruning. It clips beautifully and has historically been used for formal hedges, topiary and niwaki (Japanese-style garden trees). In 17th century England, it was as prevalent in gardens as box, yew and holly. Its neat, cloud-like growth habit and resilience make it ideal for shaping and long-term structural planting in formal gardens. Even if you don't want to create a topiary, the plant makes a great specimen tree.
This species thrives in a variety of soils, including calcareous and clay soils, and can tolerate drought, exposure to the sea, and mild frosts (down to around -12°C to -15°C). It grows well in full sun or partial shade and is widely used in Mediterranean landscaping for hedges, screens, erosion control and ecological restoration thanks to its hardiness and low maintenance requirements.
More on the ecology and fire recovery of Phillyrea

Phillyrea is a genus comprising only two species in the olive family; the other species is P. angustifolia. Both species are ecologically important in landscapes affected by fire as they are classified as 'resprouter' species. After a fire, they regenerate vigorously from the root system or lignotuber, enabling the rapid recovery of the canopy structure and biomass. Even under drought conditions, it maintains high survival rates (nearly 100%) and shows minimal impact on density or cover, making it a key species in post-fire ecosystem recovery. Phillyrea latifolia also supports biodiversity ecologically by providing food and shelter for birds and pollinators. Its berries feed birds and its dense foliage provides nesting sites. Together with its sister species, P. angustifolia, it can play a crucial role in the revegetation of degraded or fire-affected areas thanks to its tolerance of drought and heat.

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