The Banana Shrub (Michelia figo), also known as Magnolia figo, is a charming evergreen plant admired for its glossy foliage and uniquely fragrant flowers. Native to China, this compact shrub produces small, creamy yellow to light purple flowers with a sweet, banana-like scent—hence the common name. The blooms often appear in late spring and sporadically throughout the summer, tucked among the dark green, leathery leaves. Though modest in size, the flowers’ tropical fragrance makes the banana shrub a standout in any garden or landscape.

Ideal for warm, temperate climates, banana shrubs prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They’re commonly used as foundation plantings, hedges, or standalone specimens due to their dense, rounded form and manageable size, typically growing 6 to 10 feet tall. While not a true banana plant, its tropical allure and sweet scent make it a beloved addition to Southern gardens and beyond. With minimal pruning and a little protection from harsh cold, the banana shrub provides year-round beauty and a delightful, unexpected fragrance.

Stop into any of our locations and allow one of our expertly trained nursery professionals to help you with your landscape design and show you how to incorporate beautiful plants like these into your yard.