Azara microphylla

Ordered from Planting Partners Nursery on Etsy in February 2026. Grown for its late-winter flowering — tiny yellow flowers with a strong vanilla scent, appearing before most other plants break dormancy. Marginally hardy in zone 6b; overwintering in the greenhouse until a sheltered outdoor site can be established. Prefers dappled light and protection from desiccating wind.

Care

Grows as a large evergreen shrub or small tree in mild climates. Small, dark green leaves with a distinctive two-ranked arrangement along arching stems. Flowers are inconspicuous individually but appear in clusters along the undersides of branches and are strongly vanilla-scented. Requires well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Tolerates some drought once established but performs better with consistent moisture. Shelter from cold, dry winds is more critical than absolute cold hardiness — desiccation causes more damage than frost alone.

Propagation Notes

Propagates from semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in summer. Rooting is slow; bottom heat and high humidity improve strike rates.