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Azara microphylla 'Variegata' (v)

variegated box-leaf azara

An evergreen shrub or tree with small, glossy dark green leaves broadly edged with cream, and tiny vanilla-scented yellow flowers in late winter or early spring, occasionally followed by dull orange berries

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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 Yellow Cream Green
Summer Cream Green Orange
Autumn Cream Green
Winter Yellow Cream Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Accepted

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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
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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