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Phillyrea latifolia

green olive

An evergreen shrub or small tree to 8m in height, with dark green leaves up to 6cm long. Fragrant, but not very striking yellowish-green flowers appear in spring and are followed by black fruits

Synonyms
Phillyrea media
Phillyrea latifolia var. media

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Green
Summer Green Yellow Green
Autumn Green Black
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Phillyrea are evergreen shrubs with simple, opposite, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant white flowers, followed by purple to black berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mediterranean

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, with shelter from cold, dry winds. Tolerates partial shade. Salt tolerant foliage suited to exposed coastal sites. It is an ideal specimen for cloud pruning

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer (in a propagator,for example)

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1 and pruning group 8. If grown as a hedge, clip in summer

Pests

May be susceptible to Phillyrea whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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