PHILLYREA angustifolia

Interessant evergreen shrub which is typical of the Mediterranean maquis and comes from the Mediterranean basin. In spite of its slow growth, it can reach considerable sizes (even 3-4 metres of height). It is branched from the base and its stems are old and woody, with a russet bark. Leaves are opposed, leathery, lance-shaped and of a dark green color. Throughout the spring, small and fragrant white or pinkish bunches of flowers appear at the axil of leaves. Then, they are followed by small and round fleshy drupes which turn black when ripen.

Rustic plant that not require particular exigences but a sunny position, otherwise it would grow less dense and thick. It doesn't need a particular soil, but it prefers the ones which are dry, stony, poor in nutrients and above all well drained. It's a plant that tolerates drought very well even if some summer irrigation could be of use for it, above all during the hottest periods. Also it tolerates saltiness and frost even if these last ones are intense and prolonged: it is ok both for coastal and hilly gardens .From the autumn till the vegetative regrowth in spring, you can prune the most vigorous stems in order to stimulate the growth as well as the thick and compact shape of the plant. It can also be grown in pot where it will have more reduced sizes; in full ground it will give very good results in the realization of hedges, alone or together with other Mediterranean essences; such as Alaternus, Arbutus, Myrtus and Pistacia Lentiscus. Moreover it can be used in difficult soils or in environmental recovery projects.