Banana Shrub, Port Wine Magnolia

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: Western China

Growth Habits: Compact, densely branched, evergreen shrub, slow growing to 8 to 15 feet tall and wide (2.4-4.5 m); red hair on young growth and buds; alternate glossy deep green leaves, 3 to 4 inches long (7.5-10 cm), 0.8 to 1.6 inches wide (2-4 cm)

Watering Needs: Prefers acid, fertile, well drained soil, tolerates drought

Propagation: Cuttings during warm weather.

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally layering

• by softwood stem tip cuttings, in summer. Apply IBA TALC 3000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. Root in 4-6 weeks. Leave as many leaves as possible..
• by layers.

Looks best when allowed to grow to natural size and shape

Blooming Habits:
Small yellowish-cream flowers streaked with purple on the sepal margins, 0.5 to 1.5 inches in diameter (12-37 mm), with brown, furry bracts. The flowers have a heavy banana scent, they open during spring and summer. Michelia figo var. crassipes has red to purple flowers.

Fruiting Habits:
Cylindrical fruits, 0.8 to 1.6 inches long (2-4 cm), with red seeds.