About
Azara microphylla 'Variegata' is an evergreen shrub or small tree characterized by its small, shiny, dark green leaves that are prominently bordered with cream. In late winter or early spring, it produces diminutive yellow flowers that emit a vanilla fragrance. Occasionally, these blossoms give way to inconspicuous orange berries.
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, 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
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Favours a sheltered position in sun or partial shade with a deep, humus-rich soil. Shelter from cold, drying winds
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 or pruning group 13 for wall-trained specimens
- Propagation
- Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- 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