The flush of this warm - climate evergreen plant magnolia species have a scent of ripe banana .
The banana bush is a magnolia species ( previously classify asMichelia figo)whose common name refers to the vivid banana - like fragrance of its waxy , cup - work creamy yellow flowers . Sometimes the sweet flavour of the flowers is also compared to ripe cantaloupe .
Unlike with other bush , anticipate full flowering in mid- to late bounce even when the plant is still young . Banana shrub is an evergreen plant with multiple stems and thick , glossy dark dark-green leaves like magnolia that sprain yellow - K in the winter . It arise at a intermediate rate up until it hit about 10 feet in tiptop and then outgrowth decelerate down .
Where to Plant Banana Shrub
opt a locating with full sun or partial shadowiness and well - drained , acid soil .
Banana shrub is a extremity of themagnolia familyand thrives in similarconditions where magnolia grows . It is fairly saltiness - tolerant so it ’s suitable for growing in coastal areas . However , banana shrub needs a protect positioning where it is not uncover to unassailable winds . Plant it in a spot where its evergreen plant leave alone process as a living screenland , use it to mask a foundation garment , or make it part of a mixed shrub border alongside other comfortable - to - grow shrubs . you could even grow it as a hedgerow . Whichever location you choose , it should be one where you ’ll get to enjoy the shrub ’s sake year - round and its banana tree - scented blossoms .
How and When to Plant Banana Shrub
establish the shrub in the bounce after all risk of frost has passed . excavate a hollow at least twice the size of the root ball and just as deep . Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with the original soil so the soil line from the nursery grass is more or less high than the surround soil degree .
Tamp down the soil and water it well . Keep the soil moist and water it on a regular basis during the first develop time of year to encourage a firm root system .
blank space plants 12 metrical foot aside , nigher if plant as a hedging .
Banana Shrub Care Tips
If planted in the good circumstance , banana shrub is gentle to grow .
Light
Banana bush expand infull sunor part shade . Plants develop in the Sunday will mature to a small-scale size and have a more compact riding habit and their leaves will take on a light shade of green with a white-livered hue . Plants grow in light shadowiness have recondite green foliage and a slightly clear , spreading habit .
Soil and Water
Excellent drainage , which lets oxygen more easily reach the root zone , is very important to successfully grow a banana tree shrub . The soil should also be enrich with constitutive matter such aswell - molder compost . Aslightly acidic pH scale , between 6.0 and 6.5 is proficient .
weewee banana tree shrub on a regular basis after planting . After it is establish , ittolerates drought with simpleness .
Temperature and Humidity
Banana bush is only dependably wintertime - hardy in Zone 8 and above . If you exist in a cold clime , uprise it in a magnanimous planter and overwinter it indoors . Keep the room temperature between 60 and 85 level F and make certain the relative humidity is at least 50 % . The plant is not suitable for a hot , waterless mood .
Fertilizer
Fertilize the plant once a year in late winter or very early leap before the unexampled maturation starts . If your garden stain is more in the electroneutral mountain chain , use aslow - spill granular fertilizerfor acid - loving flora . If your stain pH is already on the acidulous side , employ a ecumenical shrub tree fertilizer .
Pruning
The banana shrub takes well to pruning and you canprune it quite severelyto maintain its shape and control its sizing . Prune as soon as the prime is over , otherwise , you risk removing next year ’s flower buds which work by early summertime .
Potting and Repotting Banana Shrub
employ a container with large drain holes and fill it with well - enfeeble quality potting mix . The container should be 8 inches larger in diameter than the ascendent ball , which will give the plant sufficient blank for at least a twosome of years before repotting becomes necessary .
To repot a banana bush , choose a container one size of it up from its current locoweed . softly remove the bush from its container and set it in the novel tidy sum , filling around the etymon clod with sweet potting mix . Water well and regularly .
Keep in nous that container - get plants need more frequent watering than plants in the landscape Although the banana bush is fairly drought - tolerant , a potted plant needs even watering .
Pests and Problems
While the bush is not bothered by major pests or diseases , it is now and then troubled by false Nerium oleander ordered series . a plague that feeds on foliage and tenderise new shoots . handle any scale infestation by spray it with horticultural oil . Reapply the spray as necessary observe label focussing .
How to Propagate Banana Shrub
Banana shrubs are bestpropagated from softwood cuttingstaken in the summer . Take a cutting off of a stem confidential information about 4 to 6 inches in distance . Leave all the leaves except for the one at the bottom . Dip the snub closing in rootle hormone powder and insert it in a 4 - in pot fill up with damp potting admixture . Keep the toilet in a warm place with bright light but out of lineal sun . Keep the slip moist by mist it regularly .
After 4 to 6 weeks , the slip should start rooting . Give it clip to grow into a vigorous small plant before transplant it in a garden bed or a larger container .
Types of Banana Shrub
‘Port Wine'
This cultivar has rose to maroon bloom that wither to a cream colour as they maturate . The foliage is evergreen and showy . It is a dim grower , attain 8 to 12 foot in height and 6 to 10 feet in width . Zone 8 - 10
‘Royal Robes’
It is not only the purple to deep burgundy flowers of this cultivar that is unlike from the species . The sweetness is different , too . ‘ Royal Robes ’ has less of the distinctive smell of ripe banana ; it has a more spicy aroma instead . After its bounce bloom , around May , it may sporadically originate a few efflorescence again over the summer . Zone 7 - 9
‘Serendipity’
Magnoliax ' Serendipity ' is a hybrid variety with heavy , creamy bloodless bloom that also blooms more profusely than the metal money . Serendipity is also more or less more wintertime - stout . geographical zone 7 - 9
Banana Shrub Companion Plants
California Bay Laurel
This evergreen shrub , which is native to the West Coast of the United States , develop just in full sunlight to partial shade . California bay laurelis an adaptable , dissipated grower , adding as much as 4 foot per twelvemonth in the correct conditions . Fragrant yellow flowers in late wintertime and early spring are followed by inedible olive - like fruit that serve as food for thought for wildlife . Zone 7 - 9
Firebush
Firebush(Hamelia patens)draws the middle with its orangish - cerise vasiform flowers that attract hummingbird and butterfly stroke . It is native to Florida , Mexico , Central and South America , This evergreen shrub grow up to 10 feet magniloquent and 6 feet broad , but there are also compact salmagundi . The bush grows in full sun to partial nuance and is drought - tolerant once established . Zone 9 - 10
Yaupon Holly
If you are locate in the South , Yaupon holly ( Ilex vomitoria)is among the least take nativeevergreen shrubsavailable and it withstands wind and hot mood well than most evergreen hollies The tiny glowering green leaves and dull growth of this tight - growing shrub answer well to belligerent pruning , yet they also look right on at home unpruned in the naturalized garden . Zone 7 - 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Deer tend to forget the bush alone so it is comparatively deer - resistant . It is nonetheless a practiced idea to put up a plant defender , not only against deer browsing but also against critters .
The plant is not considered invasive although it is not aboriginal to the United States . It was enclose from southeast China in the former 1700s .
Banana bush will grow in shade , partial shade , or full Sunday , The leaves will turn more yellow - leafy vegetable in full sun , however , so if you want a deeper green and profuse flowering , opt for dappled sun or fond wraith .
Updated by Nadia Hassani
