Magnolia figo (09/04/2015, Naoshima, Japan)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 3.5m
Eventual Spread: 5.5m
Hardiness: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Magnoliaceae
Magnolia figo is an evergreen shrub with a rounded bushy habit. Its dark green leathery leaves are elliptic with entire margins, up to 10cm long and 4.5cm broad. Its fragrant dark red/ maroon to off white flowers are up to 4cm across.
Magnolia figo, commonly known as Banana Shrub or Port Wine Magnolia, is native to south China. Magnolia figo is synonymous with Michelia figo and Magnolia fuscata.
The etymological root of the binomial name Magnolia was named after Pierre Magnol, a 17th century French botanist. Figo is from the Latin menaing ‘transfix’.
The landscape architect may find Magnolia figo useful as an evergreen spring flowering specimen shrub. It may be used as a flowering hedging species. It prefers a sheltered location.
Magnolia figo Leaf (09/04/2015, Naoshima, Japan)
Ecologically, Magnolia figo flowers are attractive to bees and pollinating insects.
Magnolia figo prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil.
Magnolia figo requires little maintenance. Any necessary pruning should be carried out after flowering.
Landscape Architecture