Azara: planting, pruning and maintenance

Azara: planting, pruning and maintenance

Contents

Modified the 13 August 2025  by Olivier 13 min.

Azara in a nutshell

  • Azaras are evergreen bushes with glossy foliage
  • Their yellow, scented spring flowering is reminiscent of mimosa
  • Compact Azaras are perfectly at home in small gardens or in pots.
  • They are also much appreciated by bees at flowering time
  • These bushes thrive in mild climates in non-scorching sun in ordinary, free-draining soil.
Difficulty

A word from our expert

Imagine a kind of bush with a trailing habit and small glossy evergreen leaves whose flowering could easily be mistaken for that of a mimosa. And yet, Azara has absolutely nothing to do with mimosas. In reality, they are botanically closer to willows and poplars… although they do not resemble them at all. And yes, botany is complicated!

Although very attractive year-round thanks to its evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, Azara captures all attention from gardeners and visitors during its spring flowering of fragrant yellow pom-poms. Humans are not the only ones to adore these flowers; indeed, bush literally becomes covered in bees, the blooms being so melliferous.

Native to Chile and Argentina, Azaras are ultimately hardier than their natural range might suggest. They can easily be grown here in regions with mild winters such as southern France, the Atlantic coast and even in sheltered, wind-protected urban gardens. The key is to give it plenty of sun (not scorching) and soil that stays cool but is well drained.

Although an adult Azara can, slowly, reach up to five metres tall at maturity, this bush has every place in modest-sized gardens and can even be grown in a pot if you fancy it.

Description and botany

Botanical data

  • Latin name Azara sp.
  • Family Salicaceae
  • Common name Azara, Chilean mimosa
  • Flowering March-April
  • Height 400 cm
  • Exposure sun or partial shade
  • Soil type well-drained, sandy or humus-bearing.
  • Hardiness -10°C

Azaras belong to family Salicaceae (like willows and poplars) and are native to the rainforests of Argentina and Chile. About ten species occur in the genus; four main ones are: Azara dentata with small dentate leaves and flowering combining scents of vanilla, honey and linden, Azara lanceolata with lanceolate leaves, Azara microphylla, the hardiest of the genus, with very small ovate leaves and a powerful vanilla scent, and Azara serrata with dentate leaves.

These are small trees or large bushes with an upright, fountain-like habit, somewhat spreading, with flexible twigs that trail under the weight of the flowers. Bark is pale brown with even paler lenticels.

Foliage consists of alternate, single and petiolate leaves. Leaves are stipulate and have serrated to serrulate margins (slightly dentate). Foliage is evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on climate.

Flowers are yellow and hermaphrodite. Each has 4 to 5 villous tepals and a large number of yellow stamens. They are grouped in small mustard-yellow glomerules. These odd little yellow pom-poms are gathered in corymbs 3 to 4 cm in diameter, positioned in leaf axils.

Fruits are globose berries, often pink, containing numerous seeds 2 mm long.

Lifespan exceeds one hundred years and growth rate is rather slow.

Please note: Azaras formerly belonged to family Flacourtiaceae.

Our favourite varieties

Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla

Large evergreen bush from Chile with small leathery, glossy leaves. Its yellow spring flowering is somewhat reminiscent of mimosa. Hardy to -10°C.
  • Flowering time April, May
  • Height at maturity 4 m
Azara serrata

Azara serrata

Native to the rainforests of Argentina and Chile, this bush has an upright fountain habit and can reach five metres in height. Its leaves are ovate and coarsely dentate, a beautiful glossy dark green. Like its relative, its spring flowering is reminiscent of mimosa and attracts bees.
  • Flowering time July, August
  • Height at maturity 5 m

Discover other Azara

Planting Azara

Where to plant?

Plant Azara in full sun or, if necessary, in partial shade in a region where winter temperatures do not fall below -12°C: south, Atlantic coast, and also well-sheltered urban gardens protected from cold winds can readily accommodate Azaras.

Azaras require a fresh, rich, humus-bearing, non-calcareous and, above all, well-drained soil to prevent roots from freezing in winter.

When to plant?

Planting is done in autumn (November–December) in milder regions or in late spring once all risk of frost has passed.

How to plant?

  • Re-wet the rootball by immersing the plant in water for a few minutes, then remove from its pot
  • Dig a hole at least twice the volume of the rootball
  • Keep the excavated soil and mix it with coarse sand, gravel or pumice to lighten it, especially if it is heavy
  • Avoid placing a layer of gravel at the bottom of the hole to improve drainage as is sometimes recommended or read; on the contrary, this increases water stagnation around the roots. Instead, add a few handfuls of potting compost or well-rotted compost to the bottom of the hole
  • Place the rootball in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil (mixed with the sand and gravel)
  • Firm the soil gently around base of plant
  • Give a good watering to reduce risk of creating “air pockets” between substrate and roots
  • A mulch of leaves or BRF about 10 cm thick is recommended.
Azara

Other species and interesting varieties: Azara lanceolata and Azara microphylla ‘Variegata’

Care and maintenance

Care

Azara requires little care. Just remember to water during first months after planting and in periods of severe drought, especially first year.

Renew mulch every year.

Pruning

Azara does not require pruning, except for removal of dead wood or one or two branches that impair structure. Carry out this pruning, if needed, after flowering, therefore between May and July depending on species. Azara does not resprout from old wood, so avoid pruning old wood.

Possible diseases and pests

Azara is not affected by any diseases or pests.

In very cold winters, foliage, normally evergreen, may drop. But it reappears as soon as warmer weather returns.

Propagation: propagation by cuttings, layering

Propagation by cuttings in summer

  • Cut a young shoot about ten centimetres long. It must have at least three nodes.
  • Remove leaves from the future cutting, leaving only four at the top to avoid water loss by evapotranspiration.
  • Bury your cuttings three-quarters deep in a free-draining substrate of half potting compost and half sand.
  • Keep substrate moist but not waterlogged.
  • Place cuttings in shade. Wait until following spring before planting bush in open ground.

Air layering in spring

  • In April, choose a well lignified woody stem, and remove all leaves except the topmost. Carefully remove a strip of bark 1 or 2 cm long using a razor blade or a sharp knife sterilised with alcohol.
  • Enclose that part of the branch with a plastic bag. Fill this “pocket” with sphagnum or other moss (bryophyte). Spray with water to thoroughly moisten it.
  • Secure this “wrapping” at both ends with raffia or string.
  • An air layer takes time: roots will only develop after several months, sometimes longer. When they have formed, cut the branch below the plastic wrapping.
  • Unwrap everything and pot the young seedling in a free-draining substrate of half universal potting compost and half river sand.
  • Wait another year before replanting the young bush in its final position.

Companion planting for Azara

Within a flowering hedge for mild climates or seaside

Azara serrata form sumptuous, colourful hedges and, above all, very lively ones as they attract many insects. Ideally mix them with other flowering bushes. For example, a fine Ceanothus arboreus ‘Trewithen Blue’ whose blue flowers will soften Azara’s yellow flowers. Choisya ternata will add a touch of fruity fragrance, while Abelia grandiflora will flower throughout summer and into early autumn. To have a second bush with evergreen leaf, opt for a very pretty Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’ with leaf delicately variegated with cream that will flower in spring with a lovely honey scent.

pairing Azara serrata

An example of a planting combination: Azara serrata, Ceanothus arboreus ‘Trewitthen Blue’, Choisya ternata, Abelia grandiflora and Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’

Alone near a south-facing wall

Azara microphylla can easily brighten a south-facing wall in colder regions or a slightly less bright, warm exposure in milder climates. It is often tricky to plant more than one bush close to a wall. The simplest solution is to brighten its base with container plantings. Choose blue tones that will perfectly complement Azara’s glossy green leaf and yellow flowering. A handsome young plant of Sedum cauticola ‘Lidakense’ with glaucous leaf and pink autumn flowering will be a perfect, very hardy companion for your bush. A pot of Euphorbia myrsinites whose leaf is slightly bluish too, but whose yellowish flowering will sit perfectly alongside Azara’s. As for bushes, try a small, charming Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’ with bluish evergreen leaf. In mild climates, add a Leonitis leonurus, a Lamiaceae with spectacular orange flowering that will closely follow Azara’s.

Note: Azara can itself be grown in a pot in well-draining soil.

Did you know?

  • Genus Azara is named after Spaniard Féliz Manuel de Azara, a soldier and engineer but above all a brilliant self-taught naturalist who spent twenty years in South America at the end of the 18th century exploring, defining Spain’s new frontiers and studying the local fauna and flora.
  • The first Azara was not introduced to Europe until 1861.
  • Flowering branches can be used for bouquets or placed in a vase.
  • Azara serrata received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit in 2013.

Useful resources

Comments

Azara: Everything You Need to Know

The Azara genus, often overlooked in ornamental gardening, offers a splendid array of shrubs perfect for enhancing your garden. These plants, native to South America, are particularly valued for their resilience and the subtle beauty of their foliage and flowers.

### Key Characteristics
Azara shrubs are evergreen, maintaining their lush greenery throughout the year. They typically grow to a height of 2 to 5 meters, making them an excellent choice for medium-sized garden spaces. The leaves are small, glossy, and have a neat, rounded shape that adds a delicate texture to the plant's overall appearance.

### Flowering and Fragrance
One of the most delightful aspects of the Azara is its flowering period, which occurs in late winter to early spring. The tiny, yet abundant, yellow flowers emit a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance that can enliven any garden atmosphere. This scent is not only a pleasure for gardeners but also attracts a variety of pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.

### Planting and Care
Azara prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings. It is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser foliage.

### Uses in Landscaping
Due to its compact growth and attractive appearance, Azara is ideal for use in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or even in urban gardens where space is at a premium. Its ability to provide year-round interest makes it a valuable addition to any garden.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a plant that offers both beauty and functionality, consider the Azara. Its charming flowers, pleasant fragrance, and robust nature make it a worthy candidate for your next garden project.