Banana Shrub

Michelia figo Syn. Magnolia figo

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 7a–11 Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub or Small Tree

Height at Maturity: 10-15′

Width at Maturity: 10-15′

Spacing: 8-10′ for solid hedges; 20′ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Broad, Bushy, Upright, Vase/Fountain Shape

Growth Rate: Fast

Flower Color: Butter Yellow

Flower Size: 1″

Flowering Period: Late Spring, sporadically in Summer in warmer climates

Flower Type: Single

Fragrant Flowers: Yes, smells just like a banana popsicle!

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Sun Needs: Sun or Part Shade. Please Note: The Banana Shrub will grow well in either sun or shade, assuming a looser more open form when grown in a mostly shade environment. Leaves of Banana Shrub growing in direct, full sun will be a lighter shade of green. Some filtered sun or dappled shade during the mid afternoon hours in summer produces deeper green leaves, which we think is more attractive.

Water Needs: Average, low when established

Soil Type: Clay (Amended), Loam, Sandy, Silty

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 6.0 – 6.5 (Moderately Acid to Slightly Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Drought, Heat

Description

Featuring flowers that smell just like a banana popsicle, the Banana Shrub, also known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is an an attractive evergreen large shrub or small tree that’s been around the United States since the late 1700’s. The 1-inch magnolia-like flowers are produced in abundance in late spring and sometimes sporadically during summer in warmer climates. The oblong, glossy, evergreen, green leaves are attractive year round. Originally from China, this magnificent plant is one of the classic evergreens of the Old South.

Landscape & Garden Uses

The Banana Shrub can be grown as a large shrub or lower branches can be removed to form a small tree that matures to about 15 feet tall and almost as wide. It is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings, or as an evergreen hedge in sunny to partially shaded landscape borders. That said, the Banana Shrub will grow well in either sun or shade, assuming a looser more open form when grown in a mostly shade environment. Leaves of Banana Shrub growing in direct, full sun will be a lighter shade of green. Some filtered sun or dappled shade during the mid afternoon hours in summer produces deeper green leaves, which we think is more attractive. It is also useful in home foundation plantings to frame the corners or against an large, open wall. A fine addition to the fragrance or cottage garden. Make sure to plant Banana Shrub where you can enjoy the fragrance of the flowers from up close!

Suggested Spacing: 8 to 10 apart for a solid hedge; 20 feet or more apart for space between plants

Note: For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 7a, where the Banana Shrub is not reliably winter hardy, you’ll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and place back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.

Growing Preferences

The Banana Shrub prefers a moist but well-drained acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. Leaves of Banana Shrub growing in direct, full sun will be a lighter shade of green. Some filtered sun or dappled shade during the mid afternoon hours in summer produces deeper green leaves, which we think is more attractive. Though listed as hardy in USDA Zones 7-10 the plant may suffer some damage when severe winters occur in Zone 7. It is not particularly fast growing and can be pruned after blooming, but is most impressive when allowed to grow to natural size and shape.

Plant Long & Prosper!

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The shrub arrived very well packaged , looked very healthly and is thriving. I repotted and plan to enjoy on the deck before planting in yard-thanks Wilson Bros for carrying one of my favorites and for the great shopping experience!——————————————————–You’re welcome! Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

I was very happy with the quick delivery and my well packed plant!!! Got it planted within 2 days of arrival. It has dropped a good many leaves. But we had a lot of rain not long after planting. I can see new growth so am totally optimistic about it becoming a beautiful bush. Thank you!!!——————————————You’re welcome! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

I was very pleased and impressed with the way the banana shrub I purchase was packaged and delivered. Great quality obviously was taken to get the product to our home in excellent condition. I planted the shrub and it is quite happy and we hope it will be successful where it is. I definitely will be ordering more things from the Wilson Brothers in the future.——————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Outstanding secure packaging, meaning when carrier tossed and turned upside down the box…there was no damaging the plant
The banana shrub itself is healthy and full of flower buds.. Our current spring weather is up & down temperatures, so my plant is not in a hurry to bloom. The root system is solid.. it is wonderful to have this magnolia family member as part of my landscape.. I plan to take pics after I complete its garden section.—————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

A neighbor had this beautiful tree–smells heavenly–I looked all over the internet and some plants were merely naked sticks. Wilson Bros. offered a larger plant for a comparable price–a large shrub arrived in fail-proof packing and is now in my garden FULL of sweet buds. Cannot wait til it blooms! Bonus is the deer don’t seem to eat all the leaves like they did nearby plants!————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

3 – plants arrived in very good condition. Planted these with other Banana Shrub varieties to replace Ligustrums that became to large.——————————————We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

Arrived in very good condi9tion. Not in bloom, but it looks great!————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Our senior citizens group recently visited the Eudora Welty garden here in our state. Her garden has many plants that are hard to find locally. The banana plant was one I particularly liked but couldn’t find around here.
The plant arrived in mint condition – and is currently growing and thriving. Can’t wait to experience it blooms.———————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Love this shrub. Thrilled I found it at Wilson Bros gardens. Came packaged beautifully without damage to shrub.
Quick shipping. I’m thrilled with my purchase.——————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

We ordered two banana shrub bushes, which are really hard to find. As first time gardeners, there’s lots to learn, but we are enjoying every minute! The bushes are blooming a year after we bought them. Scent is beautiful.———————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Happy Gardening! Beth Steele | WBG

We received the banana shrub today! It is beautiful! Thank you very much!—————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

The banana shrub arrived as described. Easy to remove from box and plant. The instructions were thorough. Thank you!———————————————————We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

I’m on my 2nd I’ve bought from Wilson Bro’s. Putting them around my back patio for privacy as well as for the smell. These have an unmatched fragrance when they mature. My parents have 4 around their property they’ve had over 20 years and they are a real hit.——————————————–We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

The plants came in VERY GOOD condition, even have the flowers buds already.,it’s been about three weeks and it looks very happy in my yard..so I highly recommend the Wilsonbrosgardens ..and definitely will come back to shop for my next plants.————————————We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

I am truly impressed. I had to send comments and pictures to my friends. I was leery about ordering plants online. But never again with this company only. My plant was packaged in a sturdy box that protected it from loosing soil or damaging the branches. It takes strength and tools to pry it free (well worth it). My plant is gorgeous green with perfect foliage and its already budding. They also include instructions for care, plus what to do if there are concerns or damage. Awesome.—————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Everything went well with this order. Shrub was a nice size and in great shape. Packaged well. I’m very pleased and will order again from this site.———————————–We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂

Looks good. Planted next to Japanese Maple I bought from you last year.—————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them both for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

We had been searching for one of these plants . Order was easy and it arrived as expected. Thanks for the no hassle shopping!—————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Have always wanted a Banana Shrub and was excited to find one available for our new outdoor gardening project. It was delivered promptly and in great condition.
Looking forward to the upcoming years to enjoy!————————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

The trees were fantastic fast service will order from yall more plants and trees. Thanks!———————————Thanks for the great review! We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG 🙂

The Banana Shrub arrived very quickly and in perfect shape. I know we will enjoy this plant for many years to come. Thank you, Wilson Bros!!————————————-Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG

Arrived in perfect condition in very sturdy box. They are in perfect. I am looking forward to when they begin to bloom those sweet smelling buds
I bought three banana shrubs for a previous home.—————————–We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG

plants arrived in great condition and were completely as advertised—————————————–We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG

I received a well-packed, healthy, large banana bush. I’m a happy repeat customer! Great plants, helpful information tucked in with my plants, and great customer service keeps me coming back.—————————–Hi Gail, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Banana Shrub. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the awesome review! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

Selected delayed arrival and it arrived right in time. Great customer service and shipping!—————————Hi Angela, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Banana Shrub. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

A very healthy and fragrant plant, I like it very much!——————————–WBG Reply: Hi Yan, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Banana Shrub. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

I am extremely pleased with my purchase. The plant is considerably larger than I expected. It is the size plants used to be way back when. Well established,, beautiful plant. in excellent condition. I plan to continue shopping with Wilson Brothers. They have quality and selection that will bring me back.—————————————–WBG Reply: Hi Alex, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Banana Shrub. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks so much for the kind words!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

Our “banana bush” arrived on time and in great condition, We planted it right away and after a couple weeks it looks beautiful and appears to be thriving, Can’t wait for the incredibly fragrant blooms to start!——————–WBG Reply: Hi R., Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Banana Shrub. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens-

Plant was packaged quite well and in great condition upon arrival. Highly recommend this nursery! ——————— WBG Reply: Hi Tierra – Thanks so much for your review of the Banana Shrub and we hope you enjoy it for years to come. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens.

Looks innocuous at present, could be anything as there are no flowers yet and very indistinguishable leaves. I’m looking forward to detecting that ‘banana odor’ it’s renowned for when it blooms. I just learned it’s part of the Magnolia family so it should do well where I live. Presently it’s in a large pot of my patio, which if it does well I’ll plant in the spring. But right now, too soon to tell. ——————-WBG Reply: Hi Marie – Thanks for your review of the Banana shrub and we hope you enjoy it for years to come. Once transplanted in the container, and with warmer weather here to stay for a while, you should see lots of new growth emerging. Hopefully you’ll also get some flowers this year so you can enjoy what I think is a “banana popsicle-like” fragrance. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can do for you. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens

I’ve ordered 3 of these plants, because the first one I ordered seemed too great to be true. It is True! I have never had such a wonderful experience with any other nursery, and I highly recommend this nursery with confidence. My plants were expertly packed, arrived fresh and with buds, and were much bigger than I could ever have imagined. I can’t wait to order something else! Thank you Wilson Brothers! You have changed my reluctance to buy plants online, but only from your website. ——————- WBG Reply: Hi Claire – WOW from us too!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Banana Shrub and for your compliments! Hope you enjoy the Banana Shrubs for years to come. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can do for you. – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens

Plant arrived with blooms and very healthy. Flowers are very fragrant and i can smell the sweet banana scent 6 feet away. —————- WBG Reply: Hi Christopher – Thanks so much for providing your review of the Banana Shrub and hope you enjoy it for years to come. I have a large one in my landscape that’s in bloom right now. Smells like a banana popsicle to me:-) Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens

I ordered a banana bush and it arrived in a very well packed contained and the plant was very healthy. Great to do business with. ———- WBG Reply: Hi Richard – Thanks for taking the time to provide your review and your compliments. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens

My mother always talks about the banana shrub her grandmother had, so I decided to search for one for her birthday. All other places I found were either out of stock or cost twice what it cost here. I was so happy when it arrived in perfect condition. My mother was excited when she received it, and it transplanted well. I will definitely buy from plant from Wilson Bros Gardens again! ———– WBG Reply: Hi Melissa – Thanks so much for taking the time to provide us and future visitors to Wilson Bros gardens with your review of the Banana Shrub, and glad to hear it’s doing well in its new home. Thanks also for your compliments and giving us the opportunity to serve you. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens

I was very pleased to receive massive plants in 2 gallon containers. Exceeded my expectations. These are some of the best looking plants that I have ever purchased. Just a shame it took me this long to find you. Looking forward to many more dealings. Planted and can’t wait to smell the flowers, which I know smell just like bananas.

The shrub looked amazing when it arrived and it’s done great in its new home. Thank you for the fast transaction.