Michelia

This group consists of about fifty species of tender, evergreen trees and shrubs belonging to the family, Magnoliaceae. These plants are natives of tropical and subtropical Southeast Asia. M. figo (Banana Shrub; Port Wine Magnolia) is a slow growing, medium-sized to large shrub that can grow up to 15 feet high and almost as wide. It is covered with small, glossy green leaves and bears clusters of large, white, sometimes purple-streaked, flowers with a potent, sweet banana scent. This shrub is excellent for growing in places where the fragrance can be enjoyed and makes a suitable hedge although it is slow growing. M. doltsopa is a small to medium-sized shrub with tough leaves, 6 to 7 inches long, that are glaucous underneath. Their fragrant, numerous-petaled, white flowers are borne in the spring. M. champaca, a native of India, Java, and the Philippine Islands, is a medium-sized tree that produces cream, orange, or yellow flowers in the spring. The flowers of this plant produce an essential oil that is used in perfume. There are also several species of Michelia that form large trees in their native tropical forests and whose wood is used for building purposes.

Pot Cultivation

These plants are hardy from zones 8 to 11; however, M. champaca, is hardy only to zones 10 and 11. They should be grown in well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil. Choose a location receiving direct light or partial shade. They may be pruned after flowering to control their size; however, they look their best when large and full.

Propagation

Seeds may be sown in the spring or cuttings may be taken in late summer.