Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Cistus Nursery

Show all photos

Buy Azara microphylla 'Variegata'

Also Known As

Vanilla Tree
Variegated Boxleaf Azara

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 10'-25'
W: 4'-10'

planting zones

8a-11

3.5" | $16

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

2-4 inch bagged root ball | $23

UPS shipping based on order size & location

Fewer than 22 at Cistus Nursery

2 gallon bagged root ball | $41

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total

30 at Gossler Farms

More Options

Azara microphylla 'Variegata' plant details

What's that heavenly scent in the garden in February? Follow the bright glow of evergreen variegated foliage, and look closely at its elegant branches for the tiny spring flowers on the Azara. As a free form shrubby tree in the ground, or espaliered if you're so inclined, or as a pretty pot specimen, what a good choice for year round interest. Variegated leaves that light-up-a-dark-spot all year round, delicious smelling flower tufts in spring, and orange berries in fall. Never a dull moment.

Azara microphylla 'Variegata' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green, variegated and white foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by orange fruit. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Azara microphylla 'Variegata'

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 4 FT - 10 FT - wide, 10 FT - 25 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: chocolate-scented, fragrant, vanilla-scented

GROWING CONDITIONS for Azara microphylla 'Variegata'

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional

Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

10'-15' evergreen shrub. The tiny shiny leaves are dark green with a creamy yellow margin. In February, the tiny vanilla scented flowers cover the plant.

By: Gossler Farms

Extremely handsome, small and arching, evergreen tree, very slow-growing to 15 ft, with small leaves variegated green, cream and white, and, in late spring, tiny spring flowers that are intensely scented (with the aroma of white chocolate -- or so our friends insist). Orange berries follow for autumn interest. Site in cool sun or part shade in well-drained soil with regular summer water. Can be used in container as a showoff specimen. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8, suffering possible leaf damage below 15F.

By: Cistus Nursery

Outstanding selection for a small tree or an effortless espallier! 10' tall and 5' wide – Best on a warm wall or corner – Hardy to 15 degrees. Sun to part shade, average garden soils, summer moisture – Rare, choice so beautiful with it's lacy, arching branches!

By: Secret Garden Growers

A stunning accent - natural landscape lighting! Refreshing snow-white, strap-like foliage trimmed with a thin margin of forest green. Dense, upright clumping sedge slowly expands. Resembles a hosta. Carex Snow Cap provides colorful filler along streams or ponds and moist, shady locations. Brighten up a shady area or add beautiful foliage contrast to a combination container.

By: Noname Nursery

While the species hails from Chile, Azara microphylla 'Variegata' originated in Ireland and everything about this evergreen shrub is elegant. Its dainty dark green polished leaves are delicately painted with broad alabaster margins as they cloak sprays of gracefully downward arching branches. Achieving a unique herringbone look, the diminutive leaflets feature smaller, overlapping leaves at their bases and in early spring, tufted flowers laden with the heavenly sweet scent of vanilla. Slowly growing into a large specimen that emphasizes sophisticated texture and pattern, especially when superimposed against a wall, it begs a sheltered west or south facing site, sulks in hotter climates and can easily be pruned to fit just about any other garden spot.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

One of the daintiest of variegated small trees (Bean), this 15-25 footer broadly edges its tiny leaves with creamy white ; as a pre-spring surprise!, perfumes the air with vanilla from its tiny flowers. Sun-PSh/Med

By: Forestfarm

Evergreen with tiny yellow fragrant flowers early spring. Can be pruned hard to shape. USDA zones 7-9.

By: Lael's Moon Garden

This very special tree has all the features of the usual Azara microphylla - including the delicate growth habit with small, round leaves, and vanilla scented flowers in late winter - and its leaves are variegated with white margins contrasting excellently with the dark green centers. Easily grown on any site in sun (not blasting hot) or part shade and well-drained soil. Although usually considered somewhat less vigorous and smaller growing than Azara microphylla, it can still achieve tree size surprisingly quickly with a lot of water and good soil. Hardy to 5 - 10°F.

By: The Desert Northwest

Small rounded leaves sparkle with cream and green variegation with a shiny finish. Evergreen tree 15-20 ft with vanilla scented blooms in spring. Sheltered location.