Phillyrea angustifolia

Tough as old boots – related to both Olives and Privet. Left to its own devices, an undistinguished evergreen shrub but its toughness and reliability lends it to being used as topiary – producing a lovely texture when clipped.

Most of the plants in this group (Olive relatives) need plenty of light. This is no exception. Any reasonably well drained soil.

Propagated by cuttings.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.