MICHELIA figo

Evergreen - elliptic-oblong to oval leaves 5-10cm (2-4in) long, lustrous, dark-green above, paler beneath.

Yellow

Height - 3-6m (10-20ft)

Spread - 1.5-3.5m (5-11ft)

Medium shrub - Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height - rounded, bushy, freely-branching shrub with downy, yellowish-brown stems. Flowers have dark-red or maroon tepal margins.

Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)

Full sun - shelter from strong, drying winds.

Partial shade

Additional Features - Good to know - - fragrance is said to resemble bananas, pear drops or vintage port.

Pests & Diseases - scale insect, red spider mite

Place of origin - China.

Flower Shape - Cup-shaped - - to 3cm (1¼in) across.

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Pruning group - Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

RHS group 1

Scented Plants - Scented flowers -

Seasonal Interest - Autumn -

Spring

Summer

Winter

Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil - - humus-rich

Neutral to acid soil