Mark A. Miller
Family
Magnoliaceae
Botanical Name
Michelia skinneriana
Plant Common Name
Banana Shrub
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Skinner's banana shrub, with alluringly scented springtime flowers, is a worthwhile broadleaf evergreen shrub, arguably superior to the common banana shrub (M. figo). The foliage itself is reason enough to grow this shrub, as the new leaves on this Chinese native plant are soft, fuzzy and brown and mature to an attractive green. In mid-spring, cup-shaped creamy-yellow colored flowers with maroon edges open, releasing a banana-like scent. Flowering continues well into summer, and a few blossoms can appear up until the cool days of autumn. The fragrance is most intense on warm, windless days.
Plant banana shrub in a rich, acidic soil that is moist but well-drained. Although it tolerates full sun, some semblance of shade is a preferred situation. Established plants have a good tolerance of drought and heat, but in general, this shrub is not suited for subtropical or tropical gardens. In cold winters the plant can be fully deciduous, and some dieback can occur. Skinner's banana shrub is great as an accent near a patio or walkway, in a mixed border or as part of the woodland garden. It would work as an informal screen or hedge, but it is slow growing.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
H1, 6, 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
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
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Width
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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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, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Yellow, Tan, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, 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
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Bark Color
Brown
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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
