AZARA. Chile. Unusual and beautiful shrubs with a variety of uses, according to their individual habit. They vary in habit, usually showing off smooth, pale bark. All have attractive roundish to oval, evergreen leaves. The flowers are small but clustered, colorful in some species and sweetly fragrant. Considering all their virtues, they have been much underappreciated. They thrive in sun or light shade near the coast, but are best in part shade inland. Reasonably well drained soil, moderate watering. Hardiness varies somewhat, though all of the following will withstand 18oF or less.
dentata. A dense shrub of upright growth, reaching 8-15'. The branches are closely set with roundish, conspicuously toothed 1" leaves, bright green in color and lacquered in surface. In summer they bear conspicuous clusters of orange-yellow blossoms. These have the fragrance of chocolate and vanilla.
integrifolia ‘Variegata’. This is a recent acquisition from Duncan & Davies Nurseries in New Zealand. Though the type species is a large, upright shrub, this cultivar has maintained slow growth and spreading habit. The leaves are strongly variegated with creamy yellow and pink, the latter more pronounced in colder weather. It is reputed to be quite showy in bloom.
microphylla. This species has been cultivated for many years in California, yet few gardeners know it. It is upright and narrowly fountain shaped, with slender branches arching out from the central axis. Leaves are small, as the species name suggests, but beautifully dark and shiny. It takes pruning well and can be shaped to suit the gardener's whim. Vanilla-scented but rather inconspicuous blossoms are sprinkled over the plant in spring. 15oF or less.