Banana Bush (Shrub)

The banana shrub or banana bush tree was brought to America from China. The scientific name has changed from Michelia figo to Magnolia figo as it is a member of the Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae).

This evergreen is a relatively easy plant to care for and has a wonderful fragrance. They say the flowers smell like banana (hence the banana bush name) but I think they smell more like Juicy Fruit chewing gum (maybe Juicy Fruit is supposed to be banana flavored, I really don't know). Either way, it smells wonderful when in bloom.

The banana shrub prefers acidic, well drained soil and is drought tolerant once it is established. It can grow in sun or light shade. It typically grows up to 15 to 20 feet tall with a spread of 5 to 10 feet.