Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) Azara microphylla
Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) (Azara microphylla) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Salicaceae family, native to Temperate rainforest of southern Chile and Argentina. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
Plan Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–209 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Temperate rainforest of southern Chile and Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree)
- How far apart should I plant Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree)?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) flower?
- About 156–209 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Box-leaf azara (vanilla tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- An elegant small tree with fans of tiny glossy leaves; in late winter, tiny yellow flowers hidden under the branches fill the garden with a scent of vanilla and chocolate. Good in shade, against a wall.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Weeping willow Salix babylonica
- Trembling aspen Populus tremuloides
- Goat willow (pussy willow) Salix caprea
- European aspen Populus tremula
- Kei apple (umkokola) Dovyalis caffra
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens