© Aviñon Alejandro, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · GBIF
Azara spp.
vanilla tree
Temperate South America (Chile and Argentina)
Overview
Azara spp. is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Salicaceae, native to temperate South America. Plants range from compact shrubs 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall to small trees 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) high, with arching to upright branches. Leaves are alternate, glossy dark green, and vary by species from tiny rounded blades 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) long in A. microphylla to lance-shaped leaves 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long in A. serrata; a small leaf-like stipule sits at the base of each leaf, often giving the look of paired leaves. Flowers lack petals and consist of clusters of yellow stamens 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) wide, carried in small axillary tufts or spikes. The flowers are scented, with A. microphylla carrying a vanilla or chocolate fragrance. Small berries, white, orange, or red, about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across, follow the flowers. Plants are evergreen and hardy to about 15-20 F (-9 to -7 C), with foliage damaged by hard frost and cold wind.
Native Range
Native to temperate South America, chiefly Chile and adjacent western Argentina, with a few species extending into the southern Andes. Plants grow in coastal and montane forests, forest margins, and ravines in cool, moist, temperate climates from sea level to about 6,500 feet (2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as evergreen shrubs in mild-climate gardens, trained against sheltered walls, or planted as informal screens and hedges, spaced 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) apart. The fragrant late-winter flowers suit positions near paths and doorways. Smaller species are kept in containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L) and overwintered under cover in cold regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 30'
Width/Spread5' - 15'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from late winter into spring, mainly February to April in the Northern Hemisphere, with A. microphylla among the earliest, often blooming in late winter. A lighter second flush sometimes follows in autumn. The scented flowers open over 3-5 weeks and are followed by small berries through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, fertile soil and tolerate a range of pH on neutral to slightly acidic ground. Shelter from cold, drying winds reduces winter foliage burn in zones at the edge of hardiness. Watering is needed through dry spells in the first few years, after which established plants tolerate short droughts. Plants are damaged below about 15 F (-9 C) and may be cut back by hard frost, regrowing from the base in spring. Few pests are troublesome, though scale and aphids occur under glass. Wall-side planting in cool climates gives added frost protection.Pruning
Prune after flowering in late spring to shape the plant and remove frost-damaged or crossing shoots. Plants tolerate clipping and can be trained flat against a wall or grown as an informal hedge. Hard renovation into old wood resprouts slowly, so reshaping is done gradually over two or three seasons.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons