Magnolia figo 'Banana Shrub'

The Banana Shrub, scientifically known as Magnolia figo (formerly Michelia figo), is an evergreen shrub prized for its highly fragrant flowers that smell like ripe bananas, hence its common name. The flowers are small, creamy-yellow to pale yellow with a maroon or purple tinge at the base of the petals, and they bloom from late spring to early summer. The shrub has glossy, dark green leaves that are leathery and oval-shaped, providing a lush backdrop for the aromatic blooms. It is a compact, slow-growing plant that is well-suited for gardens, borders, and as a hedge.

Plant Characteristics:

- Flower Color: Creamy-yellow to pale yellow with maroon or purple tinges

- Foliage: Glossy, dark green, leathery, oval-shaped leaves

- Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, evergreen shrub

Native Range:

The Banana Shrub is native to China, where it grows in forested regions and along hillsides. It has been cultivated in gardens worldwide, particularly in regions with mild climates.

USDA Hardiness Zones:

- Best suited for zones 7-10. It can tolerate occasional frosts but may need protection in colder zones.

Height and Width:

- Height: 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

- Width: 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)

Light Requirements:

- Prefers full sun to partial shade. While it thrives in full sun, some afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch and maintain healthy foliage.

Soil Requirements:

- Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Enriching the soil with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold can improve soil structure and fertility.

- While it can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially in heavy clay soils.

Watering:

- Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A deep watering once a week is generally sufficient in moderate climates.

- Newly planted shrubs will need more frequent watering until established. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Temperature and Humidity:

- Prefers mild temperatures and does well in areas with warm, humid summers and mild winters. It can tolerate light frosts but may require protection during severe cold snaps or extended freezes.

- The Banana Shrub thrives in areas with high humidity but can adapt to average humidity levels in temperate climates.

Fertilization:

- Benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. Alternatively, a light application of a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 6-8 weeks during the growing season can promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

- Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and Maintenance:

- Minimal pruning is required, but light trimming after flowering can help maintain a compact shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

- To encourage a denser growth habit, tip prune the new growth in early spring.

- Remove any suckers or unwanted shoots from the base to maintain a neat appearance.

Uses

- Ornamental Gardens: Ideal for adding fragrant flowers and glossy evergreen foliage to garden beds, borders, and landscapes. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens and urban settings.

- Hedges and Screens: Works well as a low hedge or screen, providing year-round interest and fragrance, particularly when planted along walkways or near patios where its scent can be enjoyed.

- Container Planting: Suitable for growing in containers, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and courtyards.

- Foundation Planting: Can be used as a foundation planting around buildings or along fences to create a lush, green backdrop.

- Specimen Plant: Due to its fragrant blooms and attractive foliage, the Banana Shrub can serve as a focal point in garden design, particularly in areas where its fragrance can be fully appreciated.

By providing the right growing conditions and care, the Banana Shrub can thrive and offer its delightful fragrance and evergreen beauty throughout the year, enhancing any garden or landscape.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.