Felder Rushing
Family
Magnoliaceae
Botanical Name
MICHELIA figo
Plant Common Name
Banana Shrub
General Description
Banana shrub is a broadleaf evergreen with lovely, fragrant springtime flowers. The foliage itself is reason enough to grow this shrub. The new leaves of this China native are soft, fuzzy and brown, then mature to an attractive green. From mid-spring until early summer, cup-shaped, tan flowers with maroon edges bloom, releasing a banana-like scent. The fragrance is most intense on warm, windless days. Flowering can recur sporadically in summer.
Plant banana shrub in a rich, acidic soil that is moist but well-drained. Although it tolerates full sun, some shade is preferred. Established plants have good tolerance of drought and heat, but in general, this shrub is not suited for subtropical or tropical gardens. It also is tolerant of pruning, but is most attractive if allowed to attain its natural, upright leafy form. Banana shrub is great as an accent near a shaded patio or walkway, in a mixed border or as part of the woodland garden. The cultivar Wine' has flowers with a burgundy cast.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6'-20' / 1.8m - 6.1m (12)
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Width
5'-12' / 1.5m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Tan, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Sienna, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Olive
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Bark Color
Brown, Chocolate
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No