Michelia Figo (Banana Shrub)
Banana shrub does not produce bananas at all and is not edible. It is a member of the Magnolia family, Magnoliaceae. This traditional creole plant is a southern favorite introduced to the US around 1700. The small fragrant flowers look like mini magnolia flowers.
Michelia figo, Magnolia fuscata, or Banana shrub is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to China. It grows to 15 feet. Plant in sun to part shade. Plants grown in shade tend to be taller and those grown in sun are smaller and more dense. Soils should be well drained, fertile with humus and slightly acidic. The leaves are dark and shiny on fuzzy branches. The velvety oval buds open in spring to one and a half inch creamy white blooms with six petals, tinged purple and are very fragrant and smell like bananas.
Banana shrub is a slow growing shrub, propagated by seeds or hardwood cuttings. November to March is the best time to plant. Avoid planting in the hottest months. Fertilize in late winter with a complete and balanced fertilizer or slow released fertilizer. Prune after flowering as needed to maintain shape.
Banana shrub is sensitive to poorly drained, heavy soils and will become stunted with yellow leaves. This shrub is sensitive to cold temperatures in the low teen. Scale can be a problem and difficult to control. Scale can cause some discoloration on leaves and may cause defoliation. Yellowing or chlorosis is a problem when pH is not acid enough. Optimum pH is 5.5-6.5.
Banana shrub is best used for its’ strong fragrance, as a specimen plant, espalier, for shade gardens or in dense mass as a hedge. Banana shrub is recommended to be planted near a deck or patio to enjoy the banana like fragrance.
‘Allspice’, ‘Jack Fogg’ ‘Maude’, and ‘Port wine’ are some popular varieties of banana shrub with variations in plant growth and flower color and size.
submitted by Karen Blackburn