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Azara microphylla (Box-leaf azara)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
8m
Max height
Max height
4m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Azara microphylla
Other names
Box-leaf azara
Genus
Azara Azara
Species
A. microphylla - A. microphylla is an elegant, tall, evergreen shrub (or small tree) with arching, pendulous branches. There are masses of tiny, glossy dark green leaves. Flowers are also small, deep yellow, in small clusters from late spring. The scent is a strong, delicious vanilla. Fruits are small red berries, however, they seldom develop.
Azara microphylla is: Evergreen
Fragrance
The significance of this plant lies in its strong, delicious scent in late winter and early spring.
Habit
Pendulous, Spreading, Tall
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Light green, Yellow in Spring; Yellow, Light green in Winter
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Propagation methods
Semi-hardwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Azara microphylla (Box-leaf azara) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 4m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Plant near a door or a path used in the winter to get the most of the vanilla scent.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
This plant has had its best by the time spring really arrives, so combine it with later flowering climbers, such as jasmine, honeysuckle or clematis.
Botanical name
Azara microphylla
Other names
Box-leaf azara
Genus
Azara Azara
Species
A. microphylla - A. microphylla is an elegant, tall, evergreen shrub (or small tree) with arching, pendulous branches. There are masses of tiny, glossy dark green leaves. Flowers are also small, deep yellow, in small clusters from late spring. The scent is a strong, delicious vanilla. Fruits are small red berries, however, they seldom develop.
Native to
Argentina, Chile
Foliage
Evergreen
Fragrance
The significance of this plant lies in its strong, delicious scent in late winter and early spring.
Habit
Pendulous, Spreading, Tall
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Light green, Yellow in Spring; Yellow, Light green in Winter
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
General care
Propagation methods
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Azara microphylla (Box-leaf azara) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 4m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Wallside and trellises
Cultivation
Plant near a door or a path used in the winter to get the most of the vanilla scent.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Azara microphylla (Box-leaf azara)
Common pest name
Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance
Scientific pest name
Hoplolaimus spp.
Type
Nematode
Current status in UK
Absent
Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
2
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
4
General biosecurity comments
Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
COMPANION PLANTS
This plant has had its best by the time spring really arrives, so combine it with later flowering climbers, such as jasmine, honeysuckle or clematis.
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