Phillyrea

P. ANGUSTIFOLIA (narrow-leaved Phillyrea), P. ilicifolia (Holly-leaved

Phillyrea), P. salicifolia (Willow-leaved Phillyrea), P. buxifolia

(Box-leaved Phillyrea), and P. ligustrifolia (Privet-leaved Phillyrea),

are all more or less valuable species, and their names indicate their

peculiarities of leafage. P. angustifolia rosmarinifolia (_syn P.

neapolitana_) is a somewhat rare shrub, but one that is well worthy of

cultu e, if only for its neat habit and tiny little Rosemary-like

leaves. It is from Italy, and known under the synonym of _P.

rosmarinifolia_.



P. LATIFOLIA (_syn P. obliqua_).--Broad-leaved Phillyrea. South Europe,

1597. This is a compact-growing and exceedingly ornamental shrub, with

bright and shining, ovate-serrulated leaves. For its handsome, evergreen

foliage and compact habit of growth it is, perhaps, most to be valued,

for the small flowers are at their best both dull and inconspicuous. Not

very hardy unless in the sea-coast garden.



P. MEDIA (_syns P. ligustrifolia_ and _P. oleaefolia_).--South Europe,

1597. This is another interesting species, but not at all common in

cultivation.



P. VILMORINIANA (_syns P. laurifolia_ and _P. decora_).--Asia Minor,

1885, This is a grand addition to these valuable shrubs, of which it is

decidedly the best from an ornamental point of view. It is of compact

growth, with large, Laurel-like leaves, which are of a pleasing shade of

green, and fully 4 inches long. They are of stout, leathery texture, and

plentifully produced. That this shrub is perfectly hardy is now a

well-established fact.



The Phillyreas succeed well in light, warm, but not too dry soil, and

they do all the better if a warm and sheltered position is assigned to

them. Being unusually bright of foliage, they are of great service in

planting for shrubbery embellishment, and which they light up in a very

conspicuous manner during the dull winter months. They get shabby and

meagre foliaged if exposed to cold winds.