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Azara microphylla

box-leaf azara

A large evergreen shrub or small tree, with very small glossy dark green leaves. Flowers small, deep yellow, vanilla-scented, in small clusters from late spring. Fruit a small red berry, seldom developing

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Red
Winter Yellow Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Salicaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Azara are evergreen shrubs or small trees with simple leaves, often in unequal pairs, and very small, fragrant yellow flowers with prominent stamens in clusters or spikes from the leaf axils, occasionally followed by white or pale purple berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Chile, Argentina

How to grow

Cultivation

Favours a sheltered position in sun or partial shade with a deep, humus-rich soil. Shelter from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 8 or pruning group 13 for wall-trained specimens

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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