Azara serrata

The Azara serrata, or Saw-toothed Azara, is a large bush or sumptuous small tree, buzzing with bees in summer, with beautiful tough and glossy evergreen foliage. It is highly appreciated for its powdery and fragrant yellow summer flowering, reminiscent of mimosa. While it can survive in almost all regions without heavy frost, it will only bloom where winters are very mild.

The Azara serrata is a plant belonging to the Salicaceae family, which includes willows and poplars. It is native to the rainforests of Chile and Argentina. This large bush with medium growth and an upright fountain habit will reach 5m (16ft 5in) in height and 3m (9ft 10in) in width in favourable climates. Its velvety branches bear simple, alternate, ovate, coarsely toothed and shiny dark green leaves. They measure about 6cm (2.4in) in length and persist on the tree if the winter is not too severe. The abundant flowering takes place in May in the south, or in June-July further north. The flowers do not have petals but numerous yellow stamens and are grouped in small yellow glomerules (like those of mimosa) with long peduncles. These small pompoms are themselves gathered in tiny umbels in the axils of the leaves. Their scent 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.

Azaras are among the most beautiful evergreen bushes for summer and make sumptuous hedges in oceanic or Mediterranean climates. The Azara serrata can be planted as a standalone specimen, or against a well-exposed wall to increase its hardiness. It pairs well in a shrub border or in a flowering hedge with ceanothus, Choisya, abelias, Hibiscus syriacus, bitter orange (Citrus aurantiaca), Olearia, or Pittosporum.