Andes Gold Azara Azara serrata 'Andes Gold'
ABOUT
Azara serrata 'Andes Gold' is a visually captivating plant that boasts a set of distinctive features which contribute to its ornamental appeal. The leaves are perhaps the most striking aspect; they are arranged symmetrically along the stems, presenting a clean and orderly appearance. Each leaf is glossy, with a rich green hue that suggests vitality and good health. When sunlight filters through the canopy, the leaves may exhibit a translucent quality, emitting a subtle, almost golden glow – a characteristic which likely contributed to the 'Andes Gold' designation. As seasons change, the plant may also produce small, intricate flowers. These blossoms are delicate, often a creamy color, possibly with hints of yellow, evoking the gentle allure of springtime blooms. The flowers emanate a pleasing scent that can attract visitors to the garden. After flowering, the plant can bear tiny round fruits, adding to the visual interest throughout the growing season. The overall form of 'Andes Gold' is dense and bushy, creating a full-bodied presence wherever it is situated. The branching pattern underscores this lushness, with branches that spread to create an enveloping feel. As a result, the plant can serve as an excellent option for adding structure and a focal point to garden designs, providing a backdrop for other plants or serving as a screen when discretion and privacy are desired. In summary, Azara serrata 'Andes Gold' makes a lovely addition to any garden or landscape setting, enchanting onlookers with its deep green leaves, appealing flowers, and often fragrant presence that enlivens the senses.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Salicaceae.
Synonyms
Andes Gold Azara, Sawtoothed Azara.
Common names
Azara serrata 'Andes Gold'.
ToxicityTo humans
Azara serrata 'Andes Gold', known as Andes Gold, is not reported to be highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants not commonly consumed, its ingestion could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it's important to consult medical advice immediately. The lack of widespread information suggests that significant poisoning is not common, but caution should always be exercised around plants not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Andes Gold does not have a widespread reputation for being poisonous to pets. However, as with most ornamental plants, it is not intended for ingestion. Consuming this plant could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested Andes Gold, it would be wise to monitor their behavior and consult a veterinarian if any symptoms or concerns arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
10 feet [3.05 meters]
Spread
6 feet [1.83 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Azara serrata 'Andes Gold' adds visual interest to the landscape with its shiny, bright green leaves and yellow flowers.
- Year-round Interest: This plant provides evergreen foliage, which ensures that it remains a constant feature in the garden throughout the year.
- Wildlife Habitat: The flowers can attract beneficial insects and pollinators, providing a habitat and food source for them.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring little pruning or special treatment once established.
- Tolerates a Range of Conditions: 'Andes Gold' is adaptable to various soil types, and once established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
- Screening: Its dense growth habit makes it suitable for use as a privacy screen or hedge.
- Fragrance: The small yellow flowers emit a vanilla-like fragrance that can be a delightful addition to the garden.
- Compact Growth: With moderate growth and a compact form, it fits well in smaller gardens without overtaking other plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Azara serrata 'Andes Gold', also known as Andes Gold, can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The wood of Andes Gold is very fine-grained and, although not commonly used, can be crafted into specialized tools or small woodworking projects.
- The dense foliage of Andes Gold makes it suitable for use as a privacy screen or hedge in landscaping designs.
- Because of its dense branching pattern, Andes Gold can be pruned into intricate topiaries for formal gardens.
- The plant’s small yellow flowers can be used in floral arrangements, particularly in winter when few plants are in bloom.
- Andes Gold can be used as a natural insect repellent, as some insects are deterred by the aromatic compounds in its leaves.
- In crafts, the dried branches of Andes Gold can be woven into decorative baskets or used as wreath frameworks.
- The bright green foliage of Andes Gold, especially during its flowering period, can be used in garden photography to create striking backgrounds or to provide contrast.
- When planted near vegetable gardens, Andes Gold may attract beneficial pollinators that can improve the yield of crops.
- Andes Gold's resilience to urban pollution conditions makes it an ideal candidate for green spaces within cities for aesthetic improvement and biodiversity support.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAzara serrata is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAzara serrata is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: 'Andes Gold' signifies wealth and success, likely due to its common name's reference to the gold-rich Andes region, which connotes abundance.
- Radiance and Beauty: The golden blooms of Azara serrata 'Andes Gold' symbolize splendor and attractiveness, possibly inferring the intrinsic beauty of nature.
- Resilience: Being a hardy plant, it represents the ability to thrive in adverse conditions, similar to surviving the rugged terrains of the Andes.
- Rarity: The specific 'Andes Gold' variety might indicate something unique or rare, as gold is a precious and uncommon metal.
- Renewal: The plant's growth and seasonal changes could embody the idea of new beginnings and the cycle of life.
WaterAndean Azara prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the climate and the environment, this may mean watering every week or more frequently during hot, dry periods. Provide the plant with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water to ensure deep soil moisture, which promotes healthy root growth. During winter, reduce watering but never allow the soil to completely dry out. Ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightAndean Azara thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would provide bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day with some dappled shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Avoid placing it in deep shade or in full, harsh sunlight, as too little light can lead to weak growth while too much can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureAndean Azara prefers mild to cool temperatures and can tolerate a range between 50°F and 75°F. It is hardy and can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to about 20°F but should be protected from frost. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is within the 60°F to 70°F range. It is not suited for extreme heat and should be shaded and watered adequately if temperatures rise significantly above 75°F.
PruningPrune Andean Azara in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to remove any dead or damaged branches and to maintain the desired shape. It can also be pruned after flowering to encourage bushier growth. Pruning can be done annually, or as needed, to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Andes Gold Azara, commonly known as Azara serrata 'Andes Gold', thrives best in a well-draining, humus-rich soil mix. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, generally between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix containing peat, coarse sand, and loamy soil in equal parts would suit this plant well, ensuring it gets adequate nutrients while also providing efficient drainage.
RepottingAndes Gold Azara does not require frequent repotting; it should be done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Select a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and ensure it has good drainage.
Humidity & MistingAndes Gold Azara appreciates moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 70%. Avoid placing it in environments where the air is too dry, as it might lead to stress and leaf problems for the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in a bright spot, away from cold drafts, and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleAzara serrata 'Andes Gold', more commonly known as Andean Azara, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in a suitable environment with well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. Once the seedling emerges, it enters a period of vegetative growth, developing a root system and foliage as it matures into a young plant. This evergreen shrub or small tree then continues to grow, reaching maturity when it starts to flower, producing small yellow blossoms that are typically fragrant and attract pollinators. After pollination, Andean Azara produces fruit in the form of berries, which then disperse seeds either through animal consumption or natural falling, allowing for the next generation of plants to begin. The mature plant enters a maintenance phase where it continues to grow slowly, requiring pruning to maintain shape and health. With adequate care, Andean Azara can live for many years before eventually senescing and dying, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Azara serrata 'Andes Gold', commonly known as Andes Gold Azara, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique involves taking cuttings from the plant's current season's growth, typically in late summer. The selected branches should be partly mature, still flexible but not too woody or green. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long and must include several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand to provide adequate drainage. The pots with cuttings are usually kept under high humidity conditions, either in a greenhouse or under a plastic dome, until roots have formed which can take several weeks to months.
