What is Boxleaf Azara?
Imagine a slender tree with tiny, shiny evergreen leaves that look like round emeralds. The foliage is evergreen, with variegated types available, and stays on the plant year-round. But that’s not all you’ll get if you start growing azara boxleaf shrubs. Early every spring, the azara produces yellow, pom-pom-shaped flowers that exude a striking fragrance with a touch of vanilla. These become orange or crimson berries in summer.
Azara Microphylla Information
Boxleaf azara (Azara microphylla) is an understory shrub or small tree native to South America. It grows to 15 feet (4.5 m.) tall with a 6-foot (2 m.) spread and thrives in both sun and shade. You’ll find many reasons to invite this lovely plant into your garden or backyard. The small leaves are dainty and glossy, shining brightly in the sun. The tiny pom-pom-shaped flowers fill your garden with a lovely fragrance early in spring. In summer, you’ll get a multitude of reddish-orange berries that attract wild birds. Another attraction is the lovely growth habit, with gracefully layered branches. And when it comes to care, the plant requires little or no pruning to keep its shape strong and attractive.
How to Grow Boxleaf Azara
If you are wondering how to grow boxleaf azara, start by making sure it will grow in your climate. The shrub is not very cold hardy, thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. You can start growing azara boxleaf shrubs in a site with full sun. Or you can plant the shrub in an area with filtered shade. Here’s an important rule: find a site with excellent drainage. Sand and other rapid-draining soils are ideal for this plant. As far as soil pH goes, it accepts anything from highly acidic soil to mildly alkaline. If you select the correct site for this plant, Azara microphylla care is not difficult. Pruning is not necessary, but irrigation is. You’ll want to provide your azara with ample water on a regular basis.
