About
Azara dentata is a medium-sized evergreen shrub characterized by its small, stiff, oval-shaped leaves featuring serrated margins. The upper surface of the leaves is green, while the underside is densely covered in grey felt. In mid-summer, clusters of flowers emerge on new growth, appearing as small, globular blooms that transition from yellow-green to mustard yellow as they mature. These flowers are highly fragrant and lack prominent petals, instead showcasing long, vividly colored stamens that give them the appearance of miniature spiky pom-poms. The plant produces red-black berries that measure approximately 3 to 10 mm in diameter.
About the genus
Azara consists of evergreen shrubs or small trees characterized by simple leaves that frequently appear in asymmetrical pairs. These plants produce tiny, aromatic yellow flowers featuring prominent stamens, which grow in clusters or spikes emerging from the leaf axils. In some instances, these flowers give way to white or pale purple berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a warm sheltered position in sun or partial shade in deep, humus-rich soil. Flowers more freely when grown against a south- or south-west-facing wall than in the open. Protect from very cold, drying winds.
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8, or pruning group 13 if wall-trained.
- Propagation
- Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings or by layering.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility