Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla

Common name: box leaf azara

Family: Salicaceae

Leaf: dark green, glossy, 0.25-0.75" long, opposite, evergreen

Flowers: non-showy tiny, yellow, apetalous, blooming in clusters in the leaf axils in March (sometimes Feb) until April, with a "french toast" or vanilla fragrance,

Fruit: after a hot summer, small berries

Habit: arborescent shrub/small tree, multi-stemmed; Form: vase , upright oval to rounded

Height: 12-20'; Spread: 8-12'

Culture: Best grown in a protected/warm sheltered area in full sun to dappled shade. Can grow in average garden soil, provided soil is not dry nor too moist for too long. In a drought/ dry conditions, would be good to supplement with additional waterings. Does well planted against a wall (for additional warmth). Ideally this would be a west- facing wall, but can also tolerate a south-facing wall, provided it gets enough water.

Uses: Solo specimen, evergreen interest, fragrance

Origin: Chile, Argentina

variegated form