Species

shrub

Banana Shrub

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia figo is a dense, upright, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to southeastern and southern China, reaching mature heights of six to ten feet. The species features glossy, leathery dark green leaves with rusty-brown pubescence on their undersides, producing cup-shaped, heavily scented yellow flowers with purple-red margins from spring to early summer.

'Coco' is selected for its compact, rounded growth habit and reliable, highly fragrant floral display. The solitary, cup-shaped flowers emit a distinct banana-like scent that is especially potent on warm afternoons.

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its glossy, evergreen foliage and highly fragrant, banana-scented yellow flowers with purple margins.

Functions well as a dense, low-maintenance informal screen or specimen plant in shaded courtyards.

Flowers attract beetles and generalist insect pollinators with their strong scent.

SpeciesMagnolia figoBanana Shrub

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with partial shade and protection from harsh, drying winds.
Amend the soil with organic matter to create a rich, well-draining loam with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent soil moisture, never allowing the soil to dry out completely or become waterlogged.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping it away from the main stems.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning into old, leafless wood as the plant fails to shoot back reliably from mature stems; instead, lightly shape the outer canopy immediately after the spring flowering cycle.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture.
Apply an acid-reacting organic fertilizer in early spring.
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain shape.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, which induces root rot.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood.
Do not plant in highly alkaline soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Understory specimenInformal screenFragrant border plantContainer specimen

Companion Plants

Camellia japonica Rhododendron Gardenia jasminoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Banana Shrub questions

What zones can Banana Shrub grow in?

Banana Shrub is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Banana Shrub deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Banana Shrub, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Banana Shrub bloom?

Banana Shrub typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Banana Shrub need full sun?

Banana Shrub does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.