The Story
Plant Bio
Magnolia figo, formerly known as Michelia figo, is a dense evergreen shrub native to China, widely cultivated for the intense, banana-like fragrance of its flowers. The species features small, glossy green leaves and cream-coloured blossoms flushed with purple, appearing along the stems from spring through summer.
'Coco' is distinguished by its larger, leathery oblong leaves and a highly compact, rounded growth habit that reaches up to three metres in height. Its cup-shaped cream flowers feature distinct burgundy or purple margins, opening from buds covered in fine, velvety brown hairs.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
118 inches
Width
59 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with morning sun and afternoon shade, protected from harsh, drying winds.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with humus-rich, well-draining soil.
- Settle the plant into the ground without disturbing the root ball, keeping the soil level consistent with the pot.
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem, and water in thoroughly.
Pro Tip
Mulch heavily with organic matter to keep the root zone cool and consistently moist, as this cultivar resents root disturbance and will fail to regenerate if pruned hard into old, bare wood.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture.
- Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
- Apply an organic fertiliser or blood and bone annually after the spring flowering flush.
Don't
- Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant will not shoot back.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely or become waterlogged.
- Do not disturb the root zone once planted, as this species transplants poorly.
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Port Wine Magnolia questions
What zones can Port Wine Magnolia grow in?
Port Wine Magnolia 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.
When does Port Wine Magnolia bloom?
Port Wine Magnolia typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Port Wine Magnolia need full sun?
Port Wine Magnolia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Magnolia to compare
Felix Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora 'Felix'
Saucer Magnolia Ann
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Ann'
Daybreak Loebner Magnolia
Magnolia stellata 'Daybreak'
Coppertallica Saucer Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Coppertallica'
Black Tulip Magnolia
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Black Tulip'
Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Port Wine Magnolia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.