Michelia figo

Michelia figo, also known as Magnolia fuscata, Magnolia figo, or banana shrub, is a perfectly unique, vigorous evergreen bush, with dense foliage and rounded habit. Similar to Magnolia, it has glossy dark green leaves and cup-shaped flowers that highlight their resemblance. Its flowering is abundant, both refined with its cream-pink hues and finely marginate purple petals, and indulgent with its powerful banana fragrance. It is a unique and rare plant, no more demanding than its cousin, the magnolia.

Michelia figo belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It is native to Tibet and was introduced to Europe in 1789. It is a compact evergreen shrub with a both upright and spreading habit. Its foliage is dense, with multiple stems and numerous branches. Depending on the growing conditions (container or open ground), it will reach a height of 0.80 m to 3 m (2.6 ft to 9.8 ft) and almost the same width. Its growth is slow, reaching its adult size in 10 years at best. Its continuous flowering starts in March-April and finishes with the end of summer. The flowers succeed each other, perfuming the air with their surprising ripe banana scent. Bursting with velvety buds, they bloom into open cups with a diameter of 4 cm (1.6 in), formed by 6 waxy petals with a subtle colour. The flowers are cream washed with old pink, finely marginated with purple, and show in their centre a cluster of prominent stamens surrounding a granular pistil. The foliage is leathery, dark green and glossy, composed of entire and ovate leaves, 8 cm to 10 cm (3.1 in to 3.9 in) long, with a lighter velvety underside.

Plant Michelia figo to showcase it: as a standalone plant, near a pathway to enjoy its fragrance, or even in a large container on a terrace. If planted in pots, you can bring them indoors during winter. In mild climates, it will work wonders as a standalone plant on a short grass meadow, but also mixed in a flower bed or in a free hedge with viburnums (Viburnum odoratissimum), Japanese privets (Ligustrum japonicum), and even as a trimmed hedge by the seaside. It is particularly useful in shaded gardens, where it can serve as a screen and a backdrop for small woodland plants. If planted under large trees, its habit will be looser and its branches more open, providing excellent perches for songbirds. This shrub lends itself well to topiary art.

Michelia champaca, a close relative, is a shrub cultivated in India, from which a highly sought-after essential oil is extracted for perfumery.