Azara microphylla is the hardiest of it’s group but grows best as a wall shrub. It makes an open framework with pleasing repetition of small, shiny, evergreen leaves and tiny yellow fluffy flowers in early spring. It smells stronger than you might expect, given the diminutive size of the flowers. It’s not uncommon for people to be confused, looking for a flower that’s as big as it’s scent is strong. Catalogues call the scent vanilla or chocolate but caramel is the fragrance that comes across to me. Unfortunately, synthetic caramel is now a popular flavour of vape locally: the association has lost a little of its charm.
