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Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
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Boxleaf Azara

                                                                                                                                                                         

  
I was not familiar at all with Boxleaf Azara (Azara microphylla) when we moved to the Pacific Northwest and it soon became one of my favorite small trees. I planted one five years ago and it has quickly grown into a pyramidal shape about 8 feet tall. The tree is native to Chile and Argentina. 

In late winter, tiny yellow flowers appear although it took several years before ours began to bloom. This week, the last week of March, it is blooming and it has more blooms than I've ever seen. From a distance or a quick glance, the flowers are not that noticeable. However, the fragrance is unforgettable and depending on who you ask, is reminiscent of vanilla or chocolate. Either way, it always smells like someone is baking in the neighborhood when the flowers appear. 

Even without flowers, the tree is quite attractive with tiny, leathery, evergreen leaves. I have discovered that this tree has a very shallow root system. After a heavy snow last winter, I was sickened to see it almost prone on the ground. However, I propped it back up and it seemed unfazed. Last month, heavy winds and another snowfall was threatening it again. This time, I reinforced staking by putting in four iron fence posts all around it. 

I have the tree planted in full sun although many grow it in part shade. I think the tree has a denser form in the sun and it can be tip pruned for a tighter shape. 

There is also a variegated variety that has a weeping habit. We carry it from time to time at Yard N' Garden Land but I think I prefer the plain green one.

                                                                                                                                                                                  
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Hugh WalterMarch 28, 2023 at 6:35 PM

    That's very pretty, I wonder how it would do in Wales or up on the West Coast, as I think that's where I'm headed for my final seat?

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    1. Phillip OliverMarch 28, 2023 at 9:21 PM

      Hugh, they like cool summers. They do well on the U.S. west coast at least for now!

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  2. Kris PetersonMarch 28, 2023 at 9:03 PM

    It's beautiful. Annie's carries it and I've been very tempted...

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  3. AnonymousMarch 30, 2023 at 8:02 AM

    As I was working in the garden the other day, a strong scent of confectionary sugar waft through the air: my neighbor's Azara was in full bloom. I rush to inspect my 2 year old, 6' Azara. It grows in a sunny area, and I spotted a few blooms. JOY!
    I also grow the variegated Azara. It is growing in a more shaded spot, much smaller and scragglier: no blooms on that one.
    Chavli

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  4. Hoover BooApril 1, 2023 at 2:26 AM

    I tried it--someone with no space gave it to me. It was during one of the bad drought years when we had a horrible roasting summer and a roasting, rainless winter, and it died. Lovely plant, from what I could tell. Cool summer needed, yes indeed.

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