Banana Shrub
Michelia figo
Description | Fragrant, creamy-yellow blooms shaded with purple have a banana-like scent. Compact densely branched shrub displays narrow, glossy leaves. Use near the front of borders, so fragrance can be enjoyed. |
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Light | Full sun, Partial sun |
Watering | Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry. |
Blooms | All season, heaviest in spring |
Mature Size | Slow growing to 6 to 10 ft. tall and wide. |
Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
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Special Features | Compact Form |
Growth Rate | Slow |
Growth Habit | Rounded |
Flower Attributes | Fragrant, Showy Flowers |
Landscape Use | Container, Hedge |
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Design Ideas | Its scent rivals the highly fragrant Plumeria used in Hawaiian leis. What this shrub lacks in bright color it fully compensates for in heady fragrance. This is a big and bushy foundation plant that will grow along fence lines. Create a hedge of them for privacy and their perfume will fill the whole area. Plant near windows and doors, where its fragrance will waft indoors. A choice selection for around swimming pools and fountains. Blend other big and beautiful semitropical plants such as bronze flax, bird of paradise, and Japanese aralia, and accent with colorful spreading lantana and bougainvillea. |
Flower Color | Yellow |
Foliage Color | Green |
Companion Plants | New Zealand Flax (Phormium); Giant Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai); Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica); Lantana (Lantana hybrids); Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea) |
Care | Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a formal appearance, shear annually after flowering. |
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Lore | The fragrance of its flowers resembling the scent of bananas led to its common name, banana shrub. Be aware that NO part of the plant is edible. |
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This Plant's Growing Zones: 8-11

Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 5
Your climate may be too cold for this plant
Buy Online
This plant is not available to purchase online.
Check a local Monrovia retailer.
Buy Locally
This plant may be available in these stores:
Due to the seasonal nature of plants, availability at your local garden center is not guaranteed. Give them a call before visiting.
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Frese Ornamental Nursery, Inc. 3100 N. 18th St.
Quincy, IL 62301 -
Lowe's 6030 Broadway Street
Quincy, IL 62305-4250 -
Lowe's 3651 Stardust Drive
Hannibal, MO 63401-6266
About Us
Monrovia grows beautiful plants for every region
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly
100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.