Family: Magnoliaceae
Banana shrub is a compact, evergreen plant native to China. The creamy yellow flowers bloom heavily in the spring. A member of the magnolia family, flowers resemble a small magnolia edged with maroon. Flowering sporadically continues into the summer. The flowers smell just like a ripe banana, hence the common name. The glossy green leaves are long-lived, producing very little leaf litter. The compact shrub thrives with some shade however too much will create leggier branches.
In contrast, full sun withers the leaves, turning them yellow. Banana shrub thrives with heavy pruning; regular pruning produces a formal-looking, symmetrical shrub. Multiple bushes can be used as a hedge. Once established, this shrub is drought tolerant and virtually pest-free. Fertilize with slow-acting fertilizer in the spring.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Fragrant
- Hedge
- Indoor plant
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Shade
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers