Phillyrea latifolia - Green Olive Tree

Phillyrea latifolia, also known as the Broad-leaved Phillyrea or simply Phillyrea, is a shrub or small evergreen tree related to the olive tree. It is a close relative of Phillyrea angustifolia, from which it differs by more significant growth and larger, broader leaves. It is hard to find a more robust and undemanding plant than this shrub adorned with tough, serrated dark green leaves when it comes to adding a touch of lushness to a dry or neglected area alongside lentisks, evergreen oaks, and privets. It still manages to stand out in spring, thanks to the scent of its small, rather insignificant white-greenish flowers, followed by berries resembling small olives, though not edible.

Phillyrea is an evergreen shrub from the Oleaceae family, also related to Osmanthus, originating from the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. It is found in the undergrowth covering rocky hills, often associated with evergreen oaks, firmly rooted in rocks but not averse to clayey and suffocating soils. Once well-established, it can withstand short frosts of around -12/-15°C.

Phillyrea latifolia naturally forms a small tree with a single, rather short trunk, taking on twisted shapes with age, with a very dense, spreading crown. In the wild, it frequently reaches 6m in height with a spread of 3.50m. Its growth is rather slow in poor soil, a bit faster in deep and fertile soil. It bears two types of leaves: the lower ones are quite large, ovate, tough, with a rather smooth edge and a shiny dark green colour. The leaves higher up on the branches are narrower, finely toothed along the edge and crossed by a prominent vein. Flowering, though inconspicuous, occurs from March to May. The flowers do not exceed 1 cm and are a somewhat greenish cream-white. Gathered in small clusters in the axils of the leaves, they are slightly scented and honey-producing. Flowering is followed by the formation of fruits called drupes containing a stone, which are a delight for birds. They turn an aubergine colour when ripe in autumn. This small tree can live for many years in poor, dry soil, eventually adopting a habit reminiscent of the Olive tree, or a flag-shape when exposed to wind at the seaside.

Extremely easy to grow, Phillyreas only dislike very cold winters, especially when young. As they do not mind sea spray, they are a great choice for coastal areas. Like Pistacia lentiscus, the bay laurel, strawberry trees, myrtles, and Rhamnus alaternus, they are perfect for providing the evergreen structure of the garden and even tolerate shade and root competition. In a mixed hedge, they can be paired with smoke bushes or deciduous spindle trees with stunning autumn colours. Their dark, rich foliage creates interesting contrasts with grey-leaved shrubs (Artemisia absinthium, Buddleia Silver Anniversary, coyote willow), bluish ones (Eucalyptus gunii), yellow ones (Sunburst honey locust) or even the pink-variegated foliage of the Dappled Willow (in moister soil). You can also grow this Phillyrea in the undergrowth, and plant Phlomis samia, bear's breeches, Bupleurum fruticosum, or Mexican orange blossom at its base.