Azara microphylla

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.