Phillyrea angustifolia - Mock Privet

Phillyrea angustifolia, also known as Narrow-leaved Phillyrea or Filaria, is an evergreen bush related to the olive tree. It is more discreet and modest, but also hardier and more undemanding. It is hard to find a more robust plant than this bush, with its narrow dark green leaves, when it comes to adding a touch of lushness to a neglected area of the dry garden, along with lentisks, green oaks and privets. However, it does stand out in spring with the fragrance of its small white-greenish flowers, followed by inedible bluish berries that resemble small olives. An excellent alternative to the olive tree, it has no enemies, except for frost when it drops below -15° C (5° F)!

Phillyrea angustifolia naturally forms a small tree with a single and quite short trunk, and a spread-out crown. In nature, it rarely exceeds 3 m (9.8 ft) in height and 2 m (6.6 ft) in spread. Its growth is slow in poor soil, a little faster in deep and more fertile soil. It bears bronze young shoots that become narrow and elongated, leathery leaves, 3 cm to 5 cm (1.2 in to 2 in) long and 1 cm (0.4 in) wide, with a fairly deep green colour on the top, paler and velvety underneath. They are slightly shiny. The flowering takes place from March to May. The flowers are quite discreet, not exceeding 1 cm (0.4 in) and are a slightly greenish white colour. They are gathered in small bunches in the axil of the leaves, and are slightly fragrant and honey-bearing. The flowering is followed by the formation of fruits called drupes containing a stone, which are a delight for birds. They turn a blackish-blue colour when ripe in autumn. This small tree can live for many years in poor and dry soil, gradually taking on a habit that is not dissimilar to that of the olive tree, or a flag-like habit when beaten by the wind on the seaside.

Very easy to grow, it only fears very cold winters, especially when young. A well-established plant, aged 4 or 5 years, will be able to withstand brief frosts of around -12° C to -15° C (10.4° F to 5° F). As it is not afraid of sea spray, it can be adopted without reservation by the seaside. Like Pistacia lentiscus, strawberry trees, myrtles, and Rhamnus alaternus, it is perfect for providing the evergreen structure of the garden and even tolerates shade and root competition. In a free hedge, it can also be associated with deciduous cotinus with superb autumnal colours. Its dark foliage creates interesting contrasts with plants with grey foliage (Artemisia ludoviciana, Buddleia 'Silver Anniversary', Gomphostigma virgatum 'White Candy'), bluish foliage (Eucalyptus gunii), yellow foliage (Phyllostachys aurea, Sambucus nigra 'Golden Tower'), or even the variegated pink foliage of the Willow shrimp (in cooler soil). Also, cultivate it in the undergrowth, along with Phlomis samia, bear's breeches, Bupleurum fruticosum, or Choisya ternata. As it tolerates repeated pruning very well, it can be used in topiary art and shaped into original forms.