Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Midori

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Magnolia figo

Also Known As

Magnolia fuscata
Michelia figo
Michelia fuscata
Banana Shrub

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 8'-15'
W: 6'-10'

planting zones

8a-10b

More Options

Magnolia figo plant details

Magnolia figo is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer cream flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - bright shade and regular - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Magnolia figo

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: magnoliaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 8 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: cream blooms in spring and summer
Uses: fragrant, leathery leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Magnolia figo

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Deep green, lustrous oval pointed foliage on a dense, bushy, rounded shrub. Creamy yellow and purple, two inch flowers like small magnolias with a rich port wine fragrance appear in great quantities amongst the foliage during spring. Locate near an entryway, patio or window where the fruity fragrance can be fully appreciated. Will grow to four to six feet high and wide in 10 years.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A choice 6-8' shrub for a protected spot whose small creamy flowers in spring resemble tiny magnolias and have an exquisite fruity(as in banana) fragrance; nice for patio use with dense habit and glossy EG leaves. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Delightfully sweet, this banana-like floral scent is a must for the fragrant garden. Known as the Banana Shrub, this Chinese member of the magnolia family blooms all year. It is most heavily laden with 2" creamy yellow and blushed-purple flowers in late winter and early spring.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

A sweet banana-like fragrance emanates from the creamy-yellow cupped-shaped Magnolia-like blooms from spring to summer. A dense and long-lived rounded evergreen shrub with few pests or diseases.

By: Almost Eden

This lovely evergreen, now included in the genus Magnolia, grows to 8' or more, with shiny, slightly leathery leaves and abundant flowers. Needs a warm, protected spot for best flowering -- and when it does, it's hard to forget the Intense banana fragrance. Sun and well-drained soil with some supplemental water in summer. USDA zone 8.