Michelia figo (Port wine magnolia, Bubblegum flower, Banana shrub)

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Plant description

Michelia figo, the Port wine magnolia, is an ornamental evergreen tall shrub to small tree, with strongly fragrant purple and cream flowers. The perfume of the flowers is fruity, and reminiscent of bubblegum. It blooms in spring, early summer and autumn. The foliage is glossy green and very compact, and it responds very well to pruning and shaping, making it an excellent hedge, screen and topiary plant. It grows to around 3 metres tall and wide unpruned, but can be kept to smaller sizes with pruning. It can also be grown in a large container, and can be a good bonsai plant.

Michelias grow in sunny to part shaded positions. They like a fertile, moist soil, and once established can cope with periods of dryness. Fertilise in springtime. Frost tolerant.

Michelia figo has now been reclassified as Magnolia figo.

Further reading: Hedges and Pruning a hedge in 7 steps (articles written by horticulturalist Angus Stewart).

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: purple and cream
Flowering season: spring summer autumn

Scent

The flowers are very fragrant, and the perfume is fruity

Plant size

Maximum height: 3 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 3 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Bees, butterflies.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 5.5-7.0

Pests

Scale

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Good general purpose fertiliser.

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