Category:
Home-grown
Evergreen Mediterranean shrub, very hardy and elegant, ideal for hedges, green screens and low-maintenance gardens, with great resistance to drought and wind.
Approx. height
Approx. width
Light
Ideal temp.
Toxicity
Maintenance
Recommended watering
Sales format
Our experts say
The olivilla (Phillyrea angustifolia) is an evergreen shrub with a Mediterranean character, highly valued for its resilience and its natural aesthetic, reminiscent of the olive tree but lighter. It has narrow, green, leathery leaves, and forms a dense mound that can grow either freely or with guided pruning. Its flowering is subtle: small, pale flowers in spring that may go unnoticed, but which add ecological value. Over time, it can develop a more structured habit and become a shrub with real presence, ideal for bringing evergreen interest without demanding constant care.
It works very well in low-maintenance gardens, hedges, green screens and as a background plant in Mediterranean or contemporary compositions. It tolerates heat, wind and lack of water very well once established, and adapts to poor soils as long as they drain properly. It is an excellent choice when you are looking for a long-lasting, understated plant with a natural look.
Image gallery
Benefits
Very hardy and long-lasting shrub, ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Provides year-round greenery with an elegant, natural look.
High tolerance to drought once established.
Works very well as a hedge or screening plant thanks to its density and pruning response.
Adapts to poor soils and demanding conditions, provided there is drainage.
Subtle flowering that adds ecological value without visually overwhelming the garden.
A good choice for Mediterranean compositions and also for more minimalist designs thanks to its understated character.
Special care
Prioritise well-draining soil; avoid areas that retain water or become waterlogged.
In newly planted specimens, water moderately until they establish roots; afterwards, water sparingly.
Place in direct sun or bright partial shade for balanced growth.
Tolerates pruning: a light prune helps to keep it compact; for hedges, make gentle, regular trims.
Avoid heavy feeding; in very poor soils, a light application in spring is enough.
In a pot, use an airy growing medium and spaced-out watering; it is better to err on the dry side than to overdo it.
Watch for occasional mealybug in very dense plants; this improves with ventilation and spot cleaning.
