Narrow leaved phillyrea, Phillyrea angustifolia

shrub of the family Oleaceae

Etymology: the name Phillyrea comes from Greek " phyllon " which means "leaf"; its specific name angustifolia comes from "Angustus" which means "narrow" and "Folia" which indicates the leaf.
Origin: Mediterranean periphery. This shrub is common in the stony places of the South of France.
Habitat: the Narrow leaved phillyrea is undemanding in soil, in position (sun, half-shade), in environment (it is resistant to air pollution, wind and spray). It is adapted to drought.
Hardiness: zone 8: It support cold until -12 °C or 10 °F.
Rate of Growth: very slow.
Height: 2 m tall.
Shape: shrub, upright.
Persistent foliage. Oblong, narrow, tough, opposite leaf, 2-6 cm long and 0.5-2 cm broad, short petiole (4-8mm) and salient midrib, transparent margin. Colour green, clearer underneath.
Flowers from March till May, sweet-scented, melliferous, small, hermaphrodite, grouped in small fascicles in the axil of leaves, on the shoots of previous year. Corolla with very short tube.
Colour greenish white.
Fruits: small drupes (3-5 mm) protruding fleshy not edible, pruinose skin, turning to blue - blackish in autumn, persistent a part of the winter. Oval stone.

Use: Phillyrea is planted in dry gardens in insulated subject or in massive shrubs.
Advices of maintenance: Phillyrea supports pruning perfectly.