Origin and characteristics of Phillyrea latifolia
Image - Wikimedia / Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Known as broadleaf, blackberry or barberry (do not confuse the latter with the Berberis vulgaris) it is an evergreen tree native to southern Europe, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia. In Spain we find it in the Balearic archipelago, and in the peninsula in Catalonia, Aragon, Pyrenees, Cantabria and the Basque Country, as well as in the southern half.
Reaches a height of up to 9 meters, although it can overcome them. Its crown is dense, highly branched, with smooth, whitish branches. The leaves are ovate, with the main veins well visible, and the margin serrated or entire. The flowers, which sprout in spring, are greenish-white and appear grouped in clusters between the leaves. The fruit is a globose and black drupe that measures about a centimeter and contains one or two seeds.
What are the care it requires?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
Location
La Phillyrea latifolia is a plant that must be outside, preferably in an area where it receives direct sunlight for as many hours as possible (minimum four). To facilitate its growth and maintenance, you can also inquire about the Phillyrea angustifolia care.
Earth
- Garden: grows on clay soils, and tolerates limestone. It must also be well drained and fertile.
- PotsFill with universal substrate (available for purchase). The container you use must have drainage holes so that excess water can drain away, thus preventing root rot.
Irrigation
- Garden: during the first year it will be necessary to water about 2 times a week in summer and between 1 and 2 per week the rest of the year, but from the second you can gradually space the waterings. In the event that a minimum of 350-400mm per year is registered in your area from the third season that it is planted, you can stop watering.
- Flower pot: 2-3 times a week in summer, and somewhat less the rest of the year.
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Image - Wikimedia / K.vliet
From early spring to late summer It is advisable to fertilize, either with homemade or compound fertilizers. As homemade fertilizers you have the egg and banana shells, the ash (better if it is made of wood), green manure, or compost; and as compounds, those sold in any nursery: universal (for sale), or for green plants (for sale), among others.
Just keep in mind that if you opt for the latter, you must follow the instructions specified on the package to the letter since otherwise there could be a risk of overdose and the roots would burn.
Pruning
You don't need it. Remove only dry, diseased, weak or broken branches in late winter, or in fall if the weather is mild.
Multiplication of the black pigeon
La Phillyrea latifolia multiplies by seeds in spring. You simply have to sow them in pots or seedling trays with universal substrate, place them outside in semi-shade, and keep the substrate always moist (but not flooded).
To achieve a higher germination and survival rate, it is important not to plant the seeds too close together (ideally, 2-3 in the same pot or socket) and sprinkle sulfur (available for sale) to prevent fungus. Sulfur is a natural fungicide that, if applied first to the seedbeds and then after germination, ringing, helps the seedlings to overcome the critical period (the first year of life).
Thus they will germinate in about 2 weeks, maximum one month.
What care should be taken for a Phillyrea latifolia potted plant?
La Phillyrea latifolia In a pot, it needs exposure similar to that it would receive outdoors, preferably in a location with direct sunlight for several hours a day. To prevent the roots from becoming compressed and affecting their growth, it is essential to repot it into a larger container when the roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes, as explained in the gardening section.
This potted maintenance also requires careful monitoring of watering, as the substrate can dry out more quickly. Therefore, watering is recommended two to three times a week in summer and less frequently in winter. Also, remember that in pots, fertilizing will be more frequent to compensate for the loss of nutrients in the substrate, following the instructions for specific fertilizers for potted plants.
Plagues and diseases
It's very tough.
Rusticity
Image - Wikimedia / Xemenendura
La Phillyrea latifolia it resists frosts down to -7ºC. In addition, the maximum temperatures of up to 40ºC do not affect it, as long as the substrate or soil is somewhat humid.
What did you think of this tree? It's definitely a plant worth considering if you live in an area where drought is a common problem ;).