Care of the shrub Phillyrea angustifolia or Jasmine box |
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The genus Phillyrea, family Oleaceae, comprises 80 species of shrubs or trees native to the Mediterranean region, Madeira and the Canary Islands. Some species are: Phillyrea angustifolia, Phillyrea latifolia, Phillyrea buxifolia, Phillyrea aeolica, Phillyrea bolivaris, Phillyrea caroli. Common names: Jasmine box, Narrow-leaved mock privet. This species is native to Western Mediterranean. They are evergreen shrubs with thin and flexible branches that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have leathery, dark green, opposite and narrow leaves similar to those of the olive tree. They produce fragrant flowers in the axils of the leaves during spring. The fruits are fleshy, glossy black and similar to olives. They are used in gardens by the sea forming hedges or barriers and in low maintenance garden areas with poor soils. Phillyrea angustifolia prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade. They resist frosts down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF). They grow in any type of soil, be it sandy, calcareous, saline, poor or clayey. They are very resistant to drought plants; water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry completely. They do not need special fertilizers but appreciate a light contribution of compost in early spring. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from semi-woody cuttings, in late summer, planted in moist soil. The seeds can be sown by removing (after drying) the fleshy part but it's a slow process. |
Images of the shrub Phillyrea angustifolia or Jasmine box |
 Phillyrea angustifolia |