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MICHELIA figo
Commonly known as Banana shrub, Port wine magnolia
Small dark glossy green leaves and brownish-purple flowers which smell of pear drops
Further Reading....
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EvergreenElliptic-oblong to oval leaves 5-10cm (2-4in) long, lustrous, dark-green above, paler beneath.
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Yellow
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Height3-6m (10-20ft)
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Spread1.5-3.5m (5-11ft)
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Tall ShrubRounded, bushy, freely branching shrub with downy, yellowish brown stems. Flowers have dark-red or maroon tepal margins
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Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winterHardy 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)
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Full sunShelter from strong, drying winds.
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Partial shade
MICHELIA figo
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowFragrance is said to resemble bananas, pear drops or vintage port.Pests & DiseasesScale insects, honey fungus, coral spotPlace of originChina.
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Flower ShapeCup-shapedTo 3cm (1¼in) across.
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HardinessFrost hardy (down to -5)
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeElliptic
(see photos above) Oblong(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable 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 PlantsScented flowers
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Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummerWinter
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilHumus-richNeutral to acid soil
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cold weather damage to evergreen plants
Michelia - Care Guide
3-6m (10-20ft)
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1.5-3.5m (5-11ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20