Phillyrea angustifolia (Narrow-Leaved Mock Privet)
- Herman Kraut
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
Common Name: Narrow-Leaved Mock Privet
Scientific Name: Phillyrea angustifolia
Plant Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Lifecycle: Perennial (Evergreen Shrub)
Phillyrea angustifolia is a tough evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, making it well-suited for Zone 8a gardens with hot, dry summers. Its narrow, leathery leaves and dense growth habit provide excellent windbreaks, privacy screens, or hedgerows, while its small, nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators. This plant is valued in drought-tolerant designs for its resilience and ecological role.
For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.
Plant Profile
Characteristic | Information |
Climate Suitability | USDA Zones 7–10; Mediterranean (Csa) and Oceanic (Csb) climates |
Sun / Shade Needs | Full sun to light shade |
Watering Needs | Low once established; drought-tolerant |
Soil Preferences | Well-drained, rocky or sandy soils; tolerates poor soils |
Spacing & Height | 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) spread; 2–4 m (6.5–13 ft) height |
Propagation Method(s) | Semi-hardwood cuttings, seed (stratification needed) |
Planting Timeline | Best planted in autumn or early spring |
Companion Plants | Olive, rosemary, lavender, myrtle |
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses | Berries are not edible for humans but provide food for birds; dense evergreen growth supports pollinators and nesting birds |
Pest / Disease Considerations | Generally pest-free; root rot possible in poorly drained soils |
Pruning / Harvest Notes | Light pruning after flowering; shape for hedge use |
Quick Plant Reference
Care Level: Easy
Optimal Sunlight: Full sun
Water Needs: Low (after establishment)
Mature Size: 2–4 m (6.5–13 ft) tall, 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) spread
Soil Type: Well-drained, rocky, sandy, calcareous
Humidity: Low to medium
Toxicity: Not known to be toxic
Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies, butterflies
Health Benefits: None directly; ecological hedge value
Chilling Hours: Not required
Pollination Requirements: Not applicable
Our Phillyrea angustifolia Application @ Tough Kraut
On December 1, 2024, we planted our Phillyrea angustifolia, a thoughtful gift from a good friend and neighbor. He had just ordered 180 drought-tolerant Mediterranean plants for his own project and shared this shrub with us, knowing how much we cherish plant diversity in line with permaculture principles and mother nature’s design. It found its new home on the east side of our roundabout bed, where we had just carved out a fresh planting space. The shrub survived its first winter without a hitch and is now standing strong through the hot Portuguese summer. We envision it becoming a reliable evergreen hedge component, offering both wind protection and valuable habitat for local wildlife.
Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Note: If you run into issues with establishment, check the FAQ-style field notes below for troubleshooting tips.
1. Choose the Right Site
Pick a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Phillyrea angustifolia tolerates rocky ground and lean soils.
2. Prepare the Soil
Amend compacted soils with sand or gravel. Avoid heavy clay that retains water.
3. Plant the Shrub
Plant in autumn or early spring. Water deeply after planting to help roots establish.
4. Water Consistently
Water regularly during the first year. Once established, the plant thrives with minimal irrigation.
5. Ensure Proper Pollination
Pollinators are naturally drawn to its flowers; no intervention required.
6. Prune Annually
Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape, especially if used as a hedge.
7. Manage Pests and Diseases
Check soil drainage—root rot is the only real threat. Otherwise, this shrub is low-maintenance.
8. Harvest and Store
No harvest needed—its value is ecological, not edible. Trim prunings for mulch or compost.
9. Note
If yellowing leaves appear, it’s usually a drainage or overwatering issue rather than nutrient deficiency.
Kraut Crew Insight
Our narrow-leaved mock privet feels like a quiet worker on the land—no showy fruit, no demanding care, just steady greenery and habitat value. A true team player in a Mediterranean food forest hedge.
Photos
Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Phillyrea angustifolia Cultivation Challenges
When troubleshooting Phillyrea angustifolia, most FAQs stem from site choice and water habits. This shrub is built for drought and poor soils, so problems often come from “over-helping.” Below are the most common questions we’ve heard or asked ourselves:
Q: My shrub’s leaves are turning yellow. What’s wrong?
A: Likely too much water or poor drainage. Improve aeration, reduce irrigation, and check soil texture.
Q: How fast does Phillyrea angustifolia grow?
A: Moderate pace. Expect 20–30 cm (8–12 in) of growth per year once established. Patience pays off.
Q: Can it handle strong winds?
A: Yes—its dense branching makes it a great windbreak. Just stake young plants if exposed.
Q: Should I fertilize?
A: Generally no. Over-fertilizing encourages weak, lanky growth. Mulching is enough.
Q: Can I shape it into a formal hedge?
A: Absolutely. Light annual pruning creates a dense, evergreen screen with minimal fuss.
Q: My shrub has berries — are they edible?
A: Phillyrea angustifolia produces small olive-like berries, usually turning purple-black when ripe. They are not edible for humans but are an excellent food source for birds, boosting the ecological value of your hedge.
Q: There’s a round swelling on the stem near the soil — is this a problem?
A: Most likely not. That rounded base is usually the graft union from nursery propagation, or a natural trunk flare where stem transitions into roots. As long as it’s firm and the plant is thriving, there’s no concern. Just avoid burying it under soil or mulch.
Recommended Books & Resources
Books
Mediterranean Gardening: A Waterwise Approach by Heidi Gildemeister
Excellent for understanding shrubs like Phillyrea that thrive with little water.
Flora of the Mediterranean: An Illustrated Guide by Christopher Gardner & Basak Gardner
A richly photographed journey through Mediterranean ecosystems worldwide, highlighting 600 species with vivid images and accessible descriptions for plant enthusiasts and nature photographers alike.
Atlas of Wood, Bark and Pith Anatomy of Eastern Mediterranean Trees and Shrubs by Alan Crivellaro & Fritz Hans Schweingruber
A scientific reference detailing the anatomical diversity of 264 woody species, complete with micrographs, distribution maps, and identification keys—an invaluable tool for botanists, ecologists, and serious plant growers.
Resources
Tough Kraut Resources
Our curated toolkit for hardy plants, grafting kits, and orchard-safe sprays that hold up in real soil conditions.
Entry last updated: 2025-08-21
This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.
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