Azara microphylla
Box leaved Azara
- Height × spread
- 5m × 4.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Winter, Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A large shrub or elegant small tree that can reach up to 5m (16ft), this azara has frothily dainty foliage that is a bright and shiny green. The leaves are tiny, neat and oval. There are little greenish yellow flowers, that give off a lovely vanilla perfume in February and March. There may be rounded red fruits later. This plant generally withstands our winters except in very severe conditions - and even then it is mostly the young foliage which is damaged. This has a grace of habit all its own and it is suited to a mild sheltered spot.
- Flower colour
- Orange, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-vanilla
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 5m
- Spread
- 4.5m
- Height in 10 years
- 3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Winter, Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Planting
Prune lightly after flowering
Give the plant a light haircut, generally tidying it up and removing any shoots that are wayward or damaged in any way. Dead flowers can be cut off if this is practical - the shrub may have too many, or they may be hard to reach.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.