Narrow-leaved mock privet Phillyrea angustifolia

Water

For the Sweet Olive or Oleaster, it's important to establish a consistent watering routine. Water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time to ensure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. During hot, dry spells, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure the plant has well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Cut back on watering to once every two weeks during the cooler months when the plant's water requirements decrease.

Light

Sweet Olive thrives best in full to partial sunlight. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much shade may result in less vigorous growth and fewer flowers. The ideal location would receive morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates, to protect it from the scorching midday sun.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Sweet Olive is between 50°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 10°F; however, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F may damage the plant. Sweet Olive prefers a moderate climate and can be damaged by extreme heat, so it should be situated in a location where it can avoid the full effect of the afternoon sun in summer.

Pruning

Pruning Sweet Olive is mainly for shaping and promoting a dense growth habit. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Occasional thinning removes old or dead branches and helps light reach the interior of the shrub, which encourages healthy growth. The plant can also be pruned to maintain a specific size or shape, but heavy pruning should be avoided to preserve the natural form of the shrub.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The narrow-leaved mock privet thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, around 7.0 to 8.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost with some organic matter provides the best growing conditions for this evergreen shrub.

Repotting

Narrow-leaved mock privet is typically slow-growing and does not need frequent repotting; it can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.

Humidity & Misting

Narrow-leaved mock privet prefers moderate to low humidity levels and can tolerate the dry air of typical indoor environments without special humidity requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, limit water, and ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Narrow-leaf mock privet (Phillyrea angustifolia) begins its life cycle as a seed, usually dispersed by birds that consume the fruit and excrete the seeds. Upon germination, which requires well-drained soil and partial to full sun, the seedling develops into a small shrub. As it matures, the plant experiences vegetative growth, producing narrow, leathery leaves and a dense, rounded to bushy form. Flowering occurs in spring, with small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers attracting a variety of pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into small purple-black drupes (fruits) by late summer to autumn, which are then consumed by birds, completing the cycle of seed dispersal. Phillyrea angustifolia has a slow to moderate growth rate and can live for many years, developing into a dense, evergreen shrub reaching up to 2-3 meters in height.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Phillyrea angustifolia, commonly known as Narrow-leaf mock privet, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically occurs in late summer, when new growth has matured enough to be slightly firm but still flexible. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken, with several leaves left at the top and the lower leaves removed. The base of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to promote root development and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should then be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight, ensuring consistent moisture but avoiding waterlogged conditions. Roots usually develop within weeks, after which the cutting can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting in its final location.