Phillyrea angustifolia f. ROSMARINIFOLIA narrow-leaved mock privet

Fancy a delicate, airy feel? Then you will surely fall for this selection of mock privet called rosmarinifolia. Although now rather rare in cultivation, it is by no means a newcomer. No one knows exactly who or when it was first found in the wild, but we do know that the English botanist Philip Miller (1691–1771) was the first to publish its name. He recorded it as a distinct species, a treatment that modern nomenclature avoids, recognising it instead as a form of Phillyrea angustifolia. In this guise the Phillyrea looks light as a green fairy dancing through the garden with every gust of wind. It bears exceptionally narrow, almost needle‑like leaves that give the plant an unmistakable texture; the leaves are evergreen, dark green and glossy, often longer than in the typical form. It most likely originates from drier, more open habitats, where a narrow leaf surface reduces water loss and increases drought resistance. The shrub grows upright; its thin branches bend slightly with age and allow the wind to move them gently, which is not very common among evergreen shrubs and gives a lively impression. Although it appears delicate and airy, it retains a vigorous growth habit: both growth rate and eventual size are comparable with the species, roughly 2–3 metres in height and spread.

The rosmarinifolia form is excellent where the common mock privet would seem stiff or heavy. It works as a contrast to large‑leaved evergreen shrubs, for example laurel, viburnum or evergreen magnolias, and pairs well with herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses, creating a calm green backdrop without visual dominance. It suits Mediterranean‑style plantings, dry slopes and modern gardens that emphasise structure and silhouette. Use it as a freely growing shrub, a low informal hedge or a delicate filler among stones and architectural elements. Thanks to its narrow, glossy leaves and its relatively compact habit it tolerates light shaping without losing character and looks natural even in confined spaces.

Mock privet primarily requires well-drained, moderately or poor fertile soil in which the roots do not become waterlogged in winter. Heavier clay subsoil at greater depth does not bother it, provided the root collar remains dry. After planting, it is advisable to keep the soil evenly moist, but once established, watering should be significantly reduced or omitted altogether. At full strength, it can get through the entire summer relying solely on natural rainfall. It thrives best in full sun but tolerates light partial shade. Planting stronger specimens with mature wood is recommended in the borderline regions of its hardiness, as they cope better with the first winter. Proven hardiness reaches down to −24 °C (USDA zone 6). Mock privet does not suffer from diseases or pests and, in its natural habitat, is so resilient that it even survives regular wildfires, capable of resprouting from a charred stump. We are unlikely to make use of that ability here, but it gives a true sense of its toughness.

Last update 23-02-2026