1 named cultivar

‘Coco’Port Wine Magnolia

shrub

Port Wine Magnolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Magnolia figo, formerly classified as Michelia figo, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub native to China that forms a dense, rounded shape over time. The species is highly valued in temperate and subtropical gardens for its glossy, leathery foliage and intense floral scent.

The cup-shaped cream flowers are edged with purple and release a heavy fragrance resembling ripe bananas or port wine. Distinct brown, velvet-like hairs cover the developing flower buds and new vegetative shoots, providing physical protection during early growth stages.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy evergreen foliage and highly fragrant cream and purple flowers.

Functions well as a dense hedge or privacy screen due to its slow, compact growth habit.

Attracts generalist native insects and pollinators to its heavily scented flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

140 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with rich, organic-matter-rich sandy loam that receives dappled light or partial shade.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with soil amended with well-rotted compost.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Always prune immediately after the summer flowering period ends; because flower buds for the following year initiate by early summer, winter or spring pruning will remove the upcoming season's blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry summer periods.
Prune lightly right after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
Apply a balanced organic fertiliser in early spring to support new growth.

Don't

Do not prune in winter or early spring, as this removes the developing flower buds.
Do not allow the root zone to dry out completely, which causes immediate moisture stress.
Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils where roots will rot.

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

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hedge or screenSpecimen planting near pathwaysUnderstory planting in woodland gardensLarge courtyard containers

Companion Plants

Camellia japonica Gardenia jasminoides Pieris japonica

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.