A SHRUB A DAY

Michelia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Magnolia family. The genus includes about 50 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, native to tropical and subtropical South and East Asia.

Banana shrub, or Michelia figo (pronounced "my-KEEL-lee-uh FYE-go") is a dense, upright, evergreen shrub that eventually forms a rounded canopy that reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet in well drained sunny locations. It has beautiful lustrous, dark green leaves that are handsome enough in their own right for this shrub to be a fine addition to the home landscape. The deep-green leaves have a rich brown fuzz on the underside that is quite striking. The foliage completely covers the green twigs making this an exceptionally handsome evergreen specimen.

But of course, the foliage alone is not the only reason this shrub was popular in grandma's garden. It also has small flowers with the most marvelous fragrance; a smell likened to spicy, ripe cantaloupes or bananas, hence the common name. These fragrant, 1 1/2-inch-diameter, cream-colored flowers are edged in deep-maroon and are magnolia-like in appearance. They bloom mostly in spring with a smattering until early summer.

While the smell is wonderful, it could prove overwhelming if these shrubs are massed together. The flowers make a wonderful sachet that in times past were used to freshen the contents of drawers and wardrobes.

Banana Shrub is typically used as a specimen shrub where a large steadying evergreen is needed. It eventually could reach 20 feet though it is usually found closer to ten feet with a spread of six feet. It also is used as a foundation plant and is even suited for planting in large containers. That is particularly useful owing to the fact that most Michelia are tropical and though Banana shrub is one of the hardiest of the genus, it really can't take sub-freezing temps for long. They also make first-rate screens since the medium-textured foliage is so dark and dense. And they are as good as or better for hedging than most ligustrums.

Michelia figo prefers a well-drained, acid, organic soil and even moisture. It grows well in full sun or a partially shaded location. It is quite pollution tolerant and is relatively free of any pests or diseases.

The evergreen quality to the foliage makes it handsome year-round and the flowers with their magical fragrance will have you eagerly anticipating their arrival year after year.

It is a staple of the American south and a long-time favorite in Australia. It also grows well in the UK and New Zealand. For the northern US and Canada, pot culture is recommended.

Cultivars include:

‘Stubbs Purple’ - flowers more purple than the species

‘Port Wine’ - compact habit to about 6-feet-tall with more maroon in the flower