Soil: Neutral to slightly acid, humus rich, well drained soils. Maintenance: They do not transplant well, a light trim after flowering will keep it tidy and a feed of blood and bone once a year will keep it healthy. Other Species: 45 species in the Michelia genus.
How do you take care of Michelia figo?
Michelia Figo loves fertilizer. Fertilizer is applied every 15 days during the growing season (April to September). Fertilization is stopped after the flowering period and after October. If you find that the leaves are not bright and dark green, you can apply Gongfei water once. Michelia Figo should not be over-pruned.
What is Michelia figo used for?
Michelia Figo or ‘Port Wine Magnolia’ can be used as a hedging plant, or planted as a fragrant plant near a pathway where the sweet perfume from the flowers in spring can be appreciated. Also suited to growing on a deck or balcony in a container.
Can you plant Michelia figo on a balcony?
Michelia Figo or ‘Port Wine Magnolia’ can be used as a hedging plant, or planted as a fragrant plant near a pathway where the sweet perfume from the flowers in spring can be appreciated. Also suited to growing on a deck or balcony in a container. Pruning is generally not required as this is a slow growing, naturally neat and compact plant.
What does Michelia figo look like?
Michelia figo, commonly called banana shrub, an evergreen member of the magnolia family, produces shiny, leathery leaves year-round. Creamy yellow, cup-shaped flowers with purplish-brown edges appear in spring and continue to make sporadic appearances throughout the summer.
How do you fertilize a banana bush?
Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks with a high-phosphorous fertilizer, while plant is growing (spring and summer). I usually use half the recommended amount of fertilizer on the container. Propagation: Take 4 in (10 cm) stem tip cuttings (with leaves attached) in summer.
How do you care for a banana magnolia tree?
The tree responds well to annual pruning. Pruning banana shrubs should be done when the plant is most dormant in winter or spring before new growth emerges. Always use sharp, clean cutting implements to prevent transferring diseases from plant to plant.
How fast does a banana shrub grow?
This shrub has a medium rate of growth up to 10 feet tall, but then they grow more slowly and eventually reach 15 or 20 feet tall. The mature growth habit of banana shrubs ranges from an upright oval to more rounded form.
Where do banana shrubs grow?
0:127:25How to grow Banana Shrub (Michelia figo) with a detailed descriptionYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is banana shrub an upright. Growing evergreen shrub that gets off-white fragrant flowers bananaMoreThis is banana shrub an upright. Growing evergreen shrub that gets off-white fragrant flowers banana shrubs can reach 10 feet in height. But can easily be kept around 6 feet it has a perfect globe
How do you look after Michelia figo?
Michelia figo prefers a rich well drained slightly acidic soil and is happy in full sun or partial shade so long as the roots are kept cool and moist. A light trim in late spring will often encourage this shrub to flower again in summer.
How do you grow Michelia figo?
It will grow in sun or partial shade, and enjoys humus-rich, well-drained soil and sufficient water in summer. It doesn't like harsh frost. It can be used as a hedge or screen plant. Propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer and autumn.
How do you prune michelia?
Hi, They should be trimmed straight after flowering, they can be trimmed at other times but that might affect the flowering for next year. Avoid trimming when the plants are under stress (ie winter/summer).
Can you grow michelia in pots?
Michelias can be used for topiary and hedging and they grow very hapily in a container. The ideal conditions for a hapy healthy plant are rich, well drained soil, morning sun to part shade and a nice blanket of mulch around the roots in summer.
What do banana trees need to grow?
Grow banana plants in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in a sheltered spot. Mulch the roots and protect the stem with horticultural fleece or a thick layer of straw in autumn so it doesn't succumb to winter frosts.
How do you grow Michelia figo from seed?
Prefers a light to medium well-drained soil in a protected sunny position, frost resistant but drought tender. Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year.
What is the bush that smells like bananas?
Michelia figoBanana shrub is known scientifically as Michelia figo and is a member of the magnolia family. Gardeners can think of it as a miniature Southern magnolia whose flowers smell like bananas.
How far apart should you plant banana shrubs?
Most varieties need at least 12 feet or more of space. Smaller varieties can be planted 10 to 11 feet apart. In a mature mat, the roots can extend outward for up to 18 feet. For commercial groves, a spacing of 11 by 11 feet or 8 by 12 feet works well for equipment, while maximizing production.
How do you keep a magnolia tree healthy?
Growing and Caring for MagnoliasWatering: Most varieties tolerate hot summers and some drought. ... Pruning: Magnolias don't need much pruning other than to lop off damaged branches or to shape up the tree to keep it pretty. ... Fertilizing: If your tree is healthy and blooming, no fertilizer needed.More items...
How do I look after my magnolia tree?
Magnolias prefer a moist, well-drained soil which is rich in organic matter, so it is well worth adding some well-rotted manure or compost to the planting hole, mixing it thoroughly and deeply. Most magnolias will thrive on a neutral or slightly acid soil, with a pH of around 5.5 – 6.5.
How do you take care of a small magnolia tree?
As part of your magnolia tree care, you'll need to water the trees to keep the soil around the base of the tree moist. It is especially important to keep young trees well-watered until they become established. Fertilize in spring when the flower buds begin to swell with a slow-release fertilizer.
What is the best fertilizer for a magnolia tree?
Most magnolia tree varieties grow best when they received fertilizers to have an ample amount of nitrogen. This means that fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 20-5-10 or 12-4-8 are most ideal for the tree. That being said, magnolia trees can also benefit from all-purpose fertilizers as well.
What is a Michelia Figo?
Michelia Figo or ‘Port Wine Magnolia’ can be used as a hedging plant, or planted as a fragrant plant near a pathway where the sweet perfume from the flowers in spring can be appreciated. Also suited to growing on a deck or balcony in a container.
How long does it take for a port wine magnolia to grow?
Fairly slow growing taking around 10 – 12 years to reach 3m in height, the Port Wine Magnolia requires little pruning. Prepare for planting in a slightly acid soil, humus rich and well drained. Full sun to afternoon shade in warmer areas. Humus rich moist soil with good drainage. Mulch to maintain a cool root run.
Is Michelia figo frost tolerant?
Michelia figo is widely used as hedge or screening plant, frost tolerant and with nice scented flowers. This is a shrub that copes well in a range of conditions but does not like hot dry positions. Look for cultivars such as ‘bubbles’ and the well know’ mixed up miss’ .
Common Name (s)
This lovely evergreen shrub in the Magnolia family grows up to 15' tall and is upright oval to rounded. This plant blooms in mid to late spring and has fragrant flowers that smell like ripe cantaloupe or banana. Some cultivars have up to 4" flowers. This plant must be planted in a protected location.
Previously known as
This lovely evergreen shrub in the Magnolia family grows up to 15' tall and is upright oval to rounded. This plant blooms in mid to late spring and has fragrant flowers that smell like ripe cantaloupe or banana. Some cultivars have up to 4" flowers. This plant must be planted in a protected location.
Characteristics
Banana shrub received its common name because its flowers smell like ripe bananas. It blooms heavily in the spring with cream-colored, one-inch flowers that look like tiny magnolia blossoms edged with crimson. Blooming will continue sporadically throughout the summer. The cultivar ‘Port Wine’ has rose to maroon flowers.
Planting and Care
Banana shrub will grow in either sun or light shade. Plants grown in the sun will have a shorter, tighter form and the leaves will be more yellowish green.
