The flowers of this warm-climate evergreen magnolia species have a scent of ripe banana.
Sometimes the sweet smell of the flowers is also compared to ripe cantaloupe.
Banana shrub is a member of themagnolia familyand thrives in similarconditions where magnolia grows.
It is moderately salt-tolerant so its suitable for growing in coastal areas.
However, banana shrub needs a protected location where it is not exposed to strong winds.
you’ve got the option to even grow it as a hedge.
Dig a hole at least twice the size of the root ball and just as deep.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep the soil moist and water it regularly during the first growing season to encourage a strong root system.
Space plants 12 feet apart, closer if planted as a hedge.
Banana Shrub Care Tips
If planted in the right conditions, banana shrub is easy to grow.
Light
Banana shrub thrives infull sunor part shade.
Plants grown in light shade have deeper green foliage and a slightly open, spreading habit.
The soil should also be enriched with organic matter such aswell-decomposed compost.
Aslightly acidic pH, between 6.0 and 6.5 is best.
Water banana shrub regularly after planting.
After it is established, ittolerates drought with ease.
Temperature and Humidity
Banana shrub is only reliably winter-hardy in Zone 8 and above.
If you live in a colder climate, grow it in a large planter and overwinter it indoors.
The plant is not suitable for a hot, arid climate.
If your garden soil is more in the neutral range, use aslow-release granular fertilizerfor acid-loving plants.
If your soil pH is already on the acidic side, use a general shrub tree fertilizer.
To repot a banana shrub, choose a container one size up from its current pot.
Water well and regularly.
a pest that feeds on foliage and tender new shoots.
Treat any scale infestation by spraying it with horticultural oil.
Reapply the spray as necessary following label directions.
How to Propagate Banana Shrub
Banana shrubs are bestpropagated from softwood cuttingstaken in the summer.
Take a cutting of a stem tip about 4 to 6 inches in length.
Leave all the leaves except for the ones at the bottom.
Keep the pot in a warm place with bright light but out of direct sunlight.
Keep the cutting moist by misting it regularly.
After 4 to 6 weeks, the cutting should start rooting.
The foliage is evergreen and glossy.
The fragrance is different, too.
Royal Robes has less of the typical aroma of ripe banana; it has a more spicy fragrance instead.
After its spring bloom, around May, it may sporadically develop a few flowers again over the summer.
Serendipity is also slightly more winter-hardy.
The shrub grows in full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established.
Zone 7-10
Frequently Asked Questions
Deer tend to leave the shrub alone so it is relatively deer-resistant.
The plant is not considered invasive although it is not native to the United States.
It was introduced from southeastern China in the late 1700s.
