Phillyrea angustifolia (Narrow-leafed Mock Privet)

Tough as old boots – related to both Olives and Privet. Left to its own devices, an undistinguished evergreen shrub but its toughness and reliability lends it to being used as topiary – producing a lovely texture when clipped.

Most of the plants in this group (Olive relatives) need plenty of light. This is no exception. Any reasonably well drained soil.

Propagated by cuttings.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.

Hardiness level Green

Find out more

IF IT HAS A GREEN TRAFFIC LIGHT

×

Hardy anywhere in Britain below approximately 1000ft (300m)

This is only meant as a guide. Please remember we're always on hand to give advice about plants and their frost hardiness.

Please remember that these coloured labels are only a rough guide.

General Point about Plant Hardiness: The commonly held belief that it's better to 'plant small' is perfectly true with herbaceous plants, but not necessarily true with woody plants. They need some 'wood' on them to survive severe cold - so plants of marginal hardiness in very cold areas should really be planted LARGER, rather than smaller, wherever possible.