Scientific name: Azara spp. and cvs.
Family: SALICACEAE
Common names: “Azara”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Conditions:
Zone: 7/8-9
Light: Full sun – partial shade
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile loamy soil
Moisture: Moist – average well drained, takes drier conditions in more shade
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: 10-12′ H & W
Leaf and Stem shape: Vanilla scented simple leaves, often in unequal pairs
Flower: Very small, fragrant yellow flowers with prominent stamens in clusters or spikes from the leaf axils, occasionally followed by white or pale purple berries
Pruning: Minimal, don’t require much, just let them be, some people might consider it sinful to cut back hard although they will break from old wood, can be limbed up to form a small tree
Maintenance: Low, should be up against a south facing wall in colder climates
Landscape use: Mixed woodland garden, wildlife garden
Propagate: By easily from cuttings and layering
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
*Appears to be deer resistant , attracts butterflies & bees
Comments: Native to Chile and Argentina, may be damaged by a very bad winter and the leaves usually turn black,
Cultivars: ~AGM winners: A. serrata “saw-toothed azara” & A. microphylla “box-leaf azara”
