Azara microphylla 'Variegata'
(Variegated Box-leaf Azara)

Family - Salicaceae
Category - Shrub, Tree
Year of Introduction - 1916
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Hardiness - H4
Height - 6m
Width - 4m
Location - The Spring Garden

Description: A large Evergreen Shrub or small tree with spreading branches that sometimes arch at the tips. Small, obovate leaves are glossy dark green with irregular pale yellow variegation around the margins. Tiny globular flowerheads have no petals, but many long yellow stamens. The flowers are held in clusters and produced along the branches from as early as late winter into mid-spring. The Blooms have a strong vanilla fragrance.

Flower:

Small, apetalous flowers are composed of prominent yellow stamens held in globular flowerheads. The flowers are held in clusters along the branches and are produced from February into April. The blooms have a strong, vanilla-like scent. Occasionally the flowers are followed by small orange berries.

Flower colour: Yellow

Flower shape: Apetalous flowers held in clusters

Flowering time: February, March, April

Foliage:

Small, obovate leaves are glossy dark green with pale yellow, irregular variegation around the margins. The leaves are Alternately arranged (though sometimes look like they are held in opposite pairs) on spreading branches.

Foliage Senescence: Evergreen

Foliage Shape: Obovate

Propagation:

Cuttings.

Cultivation:

Best in a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade. This plant prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.