2-3 Litre pot
- Position: Full sun / partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well drained
- Flowering Period: April – May
- Growth Rate: Average
- Hardiness: H5
- Eventual Height: 4 – 8m
- Eventual Spread: 4 – 8m
Phillyrea Latifolia, commonly known as the ‘Green Olive’, is an elegant and versatile evergreen shrub that adds a touch of classic beauty to gardens and landscapes. This Mediterranean native is highly regarded for its rich green foliage, compact form, and resilience, making it a valuable asset in a variety of garden settings.
The most distinctive feature of this Phillyrea is its glossy, leathery leaves, which are broad and elliptical, showcasing a deep, lustrous green colour. These leaves are an ever-present source of beauty in the garden, maintaining their sheen throughout the year. This striking foliage forms dense, bushy growth that can be pruned into various shapes and sizes, making it an ideal choice for formal hedges or topiaries.
In the late Spring and early Summer it produces inconspicuous, small, greenish-yellow flowers that, while not showy in appearance, release a sweet, subtle fragrance. These blooms attract pollinators, adding a delightful dimension to the garden. Following the flowering period, small, spherical, purplish-black fruits develop, which provide visual interest and can be a valuable food source for birds.
One of the notable attributes of this variety is its adaptability to various growing conditions. It can thrive in a range of soils, including poor, rocky, or sandy soils, and is highly tolerant of drought and coastal conditions. This robust shrub is also relatively resistant to common pests and diseases, simplifying its care requirements.
Whether used as a hedge, a specimen shrub, or as part of a mixed border, this plant offers an enduring, evergreen presence in the garden. Its lush, glossy foliage, adaptability to different environments, and ease of maintenance make it a versatile and classic choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. With its timeless elegance and year-round greenery, Phillyrea Latifolia adds a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space.
How to care for your Phillyrea Latifolia
- Planting Location: Choose a well-drained location in your garden. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including poor, rocky, or sandy soils. Ensure it receives adequate sunlight, ideally in a spot with partial to full sun exposure.
- Watering: Water the shrub regularly during its first growing season to help establish its root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and can thrive with less frequent watering. Water deeply when you do water, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Be careful not to pile the mulch against the stem, as this can promote disease.
- Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape, size, or form of the shrub. This can include formal hedging or topiary shaping. Pruning is typically done in the Spring after the blooming period. Remove dead or diseased branches at any time of the year.
- Fertilisation: Generally doesn’t require heavy feeding. If your soil is nutrient-deficient, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the Spring. Avoid over-fertilising, as it can lead to excessive growth at the expense of overall health.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect the shrub for any signs of stress or disease, and promptly address any issues. This includes keeping the area around the plant free of fallen leaves and debris.
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