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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla
Boxleaf Azara, Small-leaved Azara

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1 reviews

Beautiful, let's see if it will revive.

Isabelle, 29/10/2022

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More information

Large, evergreen bush to small tree from Chile, with an upright habit and small tough and shiny leaves. It is interesting for its insignificant, yellow spring flowering with a vanilla scent, somewhat reminiscent of mimosa. It thrives in a mild climate, in non-scorching sun, planted in ordinary, rather humus-rich, well-draining soil. Hardy down to -10°C (14°F) at its coldest.
Height at maturity
4 m
Spread at maturity
2.50 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -12°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time March to April
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Description

The Azara microphylla, or Small-leaved Azara, is sometimes called Chilean Mimosa because of its pleasantly scented yellow flowers. It is a large bush or small ornamental tree that is not very common in our gardens, buzzing with bees in early spring, with shiny evergreen foliage. It is truly elegant and highly appreciated for its vanilla-scented flowers that can perfume an entire garden. While it can survive in almost all regions without heavy frosts, it will only flower where winters are very mild.

The Azara microphylla, is a plant belonging to the Salicaceae family, which includes willows and poplars. It originates from the rainforests of Chile and Argentina and tolerates shaded exposures. This large bush with moderate growth and a fountain-like habit will reach a maximum height of 4m (13ft 1in) and a width of 2.50m (8ft 2in) in favourable climates. Its flexible branches bear small, single, alternate, ovate, coarsely toothed leaves of a shiny dark green colour. They measure about 3cm (1.2in) in length and persist on the tree if the winter is not too harsh. The abundant and nectar-rich flowering takes place in February-March in the south, April in the north. The flowers, without petals but with numerous yellow stamens, are grouped in small pale mustard yellow globules (like those of mimosas) with long peduncles. These small pompoms are themselves gathered in small umbels of 3-4cm (1.2-1.6in) in diameter, in the axils of the leaves. Their fragrance, which spreads far and wide, is described as having notes of vanilla and chocolate. The fruit, when it forms, is a small round and white berry which ripens in August.

 

The Azara are among the most beautiful evergreen bushes for spring and summer. They form sumptuous hedges in oceanic or Mediterranean climates. The Azara microphylla can be planted as a single specimen or against a sheltered wall to increase its hardiness. It pairs well in a shrub bed or in a flowering hedge with ceanothus, Choisya, Abelia, escallonia, bitter orange (Citrus aurantiaca), Poncirus, Olearia or Pittosporum.

Azara microphylla in pictures

Azara microphylla (Flowering) Flowering
Azara microphylla (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 4 m
Spread at maturity 2.50 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time March to April
Inflorescence Corymb
Fragrance Very fragrant, Intoxicating fragrance, with pronounced hints of vanilla.
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour white

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Azara

Species

microphylla

Family

Salicaceae (Flacourtiaceae)

Other common names

Boxleaf Azara, Small-leaved Azara

Origin

South America

Product reference859831

Other Azara

Out of stock
37,50 € 2L/3L pot

Planting and care

Azara microphylla is best planted in spring or autumn, in regions without severe frosts. Its hardiness does not exceed -10/-12°C (14/10.4°F) in very healthy, well-drained soil. It can tolerate all types of soil and exposures, but it prefers sunny exposures that are not scorching and light soils that are not too chalky, retaining some moisture in summer. The soil should be carefully prepared for planting, and the garden soil should be enriched with well-rotted compost, sand, and leaf mold. Pruning is not necessary, but it tolerates pruning after flowering, which encourages it to branch out and maintain a denser habit. This plant does not suffer from any particular pests.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, well-drained, sandy or humus-bearing.

Care

Pruning instructions Pruning is not essential, but it tolerates even severe pruning after flowering, which encourages the bush to branch out and maintain a denser habit.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time May
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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