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Azara microphylla
Boxleaf azara
Chile and Argentina; Valdivian temperate rainforest and forest margins in the southern Andes at low to middle elevations
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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Azara microphylla is an upright broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree in the willow family Salicaceae growing 120–240 inches (300–600 cm) tall and 72–144 inches (180–360 cm) wide, with an upright to narrowly columnar habit when young that broadens into a more rounded canopy at maturity. The placement of the genus Azara in the willow family Salicaceae is not immediately intuitive because the family is more widely known for the deciduous willows (Salix) and poplars (Populus), but molecular phylogenetic work places Azara firmly in the Salicaceae alongside these temperate deciduous genera. The specific epithet microphylla is Greek for small-leaved and refers to the very small glossy dark green oval leaves 0.25–0.5 inch (6–12 mm) long that are arranged in flat spray-like planes along the stems and create a layered branching texture that resembles boxwood (Buxus) in scale and density — the small leaf size is the main vegetative character that separates A. microphylla from the larger-leaved species in the genus such as A. lanceolata and A. serrata. Tiny yellow petalless flowers open in small axillary clusters along the stems in February and March across a 2–3 week bloom period — the yellow color comes from the stamens rather than from petals because the flowers lack true petals, and the flowers carry a strong vanilla-to-chocolate fragrance that is detectable at 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m) from the plant and is the main winter feature of the species. The fragrance is released during mild winter and early spring days when temperatures rise above 40 °F (4 °C), and the scent intensity drops during cold spells and returns when the temperature warms again. Native to Chile and Argentina, growing in the Valdivian temperate rainforest and at forest margins in the southern Andes at low to middle elevations. Limitation: the species is damaged by sustained temperatures below 15 °F (−9 °C) and the limited cold hardiness restricts permanent outdoor cultivation to USDA zones 8 through 10, with sheltered microclimates in zone 7 sometimes supporting the species if the coldest exposures are avoided. The cultivar 'Variegata' carries cream-white-edged leaves and is planted where a lighter foliar accent is wanted. The species can be trained as a freestanding shrub, a single-trunk small tree, or an espalier or wall shrub against a south- or west-facing wall for additional winter heat. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic and deer-resistant.
Native Range
Native to Chile and Argentina, growing in the Valdivian temperate rainforest and at forest margins in the southern Andes at low to middle elevations. The Valdivian temperate rainforest is characterized by cool wet winters, mild dry summers, and a closed-canopy broadleaf evergreen and conifer forest, and A. microphylla grows in the understory and at the forest edge where filtered light and consistent moisture support the evergreen foliage through the year.Suggested Uses
Used near walkways, entry doors, windows, and seating areas where the late-winter vanilla-to-chocolate fragrance is accessible, and as an evergreen hedge, screen, small tree, or espalier in USDA zones 8 through 10 at 72–144 inch (180–360 cm) spacing between plants. The small-leaved dark green evergreen foliage in flat spray-like planes and the strong winter fragrance combine to carry the species through two main seasons of interest (the fragrance in late winter and the evergreen foliage year-round), and the layered branching texture resembles boxwood in leaf scale but grows on a much larger frame than any boxwood cultivar. The cultivar 'Variegata' is planted where a lighter foliar accent is wanted. Cold-exposed positions in USDA zones 7 and colder without south- or west-facing wall protection, wet poorly drained positions, and positions where the winter fragrance cannot be accessed by passing visitors are unsuitable because of the cold hardiness limit, the drainage requirement, and the loss of the main ornamental feature (the fragrance) if the plant is sited too far from foot traffic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread6' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Tiny yellow petalless flowers open in small axillary clusters along the stems in February and March across a 2–3 week bloom period. The yellow color comes from the stamens rather than from petals, and the flowers carry a strong vanilla-to-chocolate fragrance that is detectable at 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m) from the plant. The fragrance is released during mild days above 40 °F (4 °C) and is the main winter feature of the species. Small dark berries may follow on pollinated flowers but are not a significant ornamental feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
tiny yellow petalless flowers — the yellow color comes from the stamens rather than from petals, and the flowers are carried in small axillary clusters along the stems in late winter to early spring; the flowers carry a strong vanilla-to-chocolate fragrance that is detectable at 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) and is the main winter feature of the speciesFoliage Description
dark green and glossy; very small oval leaves 0.25-0.5 inch (6-12 mm) long arranged in flat spray-like planes along the stems that create a layered branching texture; the small-leaved texture resembles boxwood (Buxus) in scale and density; evergreen year-roundGrowing 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
Site in part shade to full sun with 4–8 hours of direct sun per day in well-drained loam soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. The species is damaged by sustained temperatures below 15 °F (−9 °C) and is grown outdoors permanently in USDA zones 8 through 10, with sheltered microclimates against south- or west-facing walls sometimes supporting the species in zone 7. Drought tolerance develops once the root system is established after the first or second growing season. The strong vanilla-to-chocolate winter fragrance is the main reason for planting the species near walkways, entry doors, windows, and seating areas where the scent is accessible during the February and March bloom period. Pruning for shape is done after flowering in spring (April), and the species tolerates clipping for hedging and screening. Frost-damaged growth is removed in spring after the extent of the damage is visible on the new growth. The cultivar 'Variegata' carries cream-white-edged leaves. Non-toxic and deer-resistant.Pruning
Pruning for shape is done after flowering in spring (April) by cutting back overlength stems to a bud or side branch. The species tolerates clipping for formal hedging and screening, and the small leaf size heals cleanly after shearing cuts without the torn-leaf appearance that large-leaved evergreens develop when sheared. The species can be trained as a freestanding shrub, a single-trunk small tree by selecting a central leader and removing the lower side stems, or an espalier or wall shrub against a south- or west-facing wall for winter heat protection and fragrance access. Frost-damaged growth is removed in spring after the new season's growth shows the boundary between live and dead wood.Pruning Schedule
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