Have I said how much of a sucker I am for a fragrant plant? This is one of those plants that I had to get because of the smell. It's real name is michelia figo, but it's better known as banana shrub or magnolia fuscata. The nondescript flower exudes one of my all-time favorite scents. To me, it smells like Juicy Fruit gum. There is no way I would be without this shrub in my yard. It is an old Southern favorite that is not seen as much these days, though I can't imagine why.
Michelia figo is an evergreen, tropical looking shrub that gets about 15' tall. It prefers a partially shaded area and acid soil - pretty much the same conditions as azaleas. Makes a nice understory plant under a large tree. It can be grown from zone 7B and southward.
4 comments:
I need to learn more about this one. I never heard of it. Zone 7b? Sounds like I have a challenge...
I have never heard about this plant. Looks like jasmine. Is it the same family? will check on it. Great blog you have!!!
Michelia figo is not in the jasmine family. I'm not sure what it's related to. You can get some quality information about it at Floridata - which I have a link to on this blog. It's quite beautiful shrub besides having the marvellous smell. Evergreen, shiny leaves on a bush that resembles a camellia.
Thanks, yes I checked on this plant, it is related not to the jasmines but to the magnolia family. I think it is an unusual plant but maybe because I have never seen it before.
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