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Description
Magnolia Figo Var. Crassipes, commonly known as Banana Shrub or Port Wine Magnolia, is a beautiful evergreen shrub native to China. It belongs to the Magnoliaceae family and has a sweet banana fragrance. The shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, or as a specimen plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Magnolia |
Appearance
The Banana Shrub has glossy, dark green leaves that are 3-7 inches long and 2-3 inches wide. The flowers are 2-3 inches wide and have a deep reddish-purple color. The petals are thick and waxy, and each flower has a sweet banana fragrance that can be smelled from a distance. The shrub blooms in late spring to early summer and can produce a second flush of flowers in the fall. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains bright red seeds.
Care Guide
The Banana Shrub prefers well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it should be watered regularly during the growing season. Fertilize once a year in late winter or early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and can be pruned lightly after flowering to maintain its shape.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Banana Shrub is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The shrub can also be affected by root rot if planted in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
The Banana Shrub is native to China, but it is commonly grown in the southeastern United States as an ornamental plant. It prefers a warm, humid climate and can be grown in both urban and rural settings.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Banana Shrub deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the shrub is deer-resistant.
Q: Can the Banana Shrub be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in a container, but it will need to be repotted every few years to prevent it from becoming root-bound.
Q: How often should the Banana Shrub be watered?
A: The shrub should be watered regularly during the growing season, but it should not be overwatered.
Q: Can the Banana Shrub be propagated?
A: Yes, the shrub can be propagated by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in the summer or by layering in the fall.
Related Plants
- Magnolia grandiflora
- Magnolia stellata
- Magnolia soulangeana
References
- “Magnolia Figo Var. Crassipes.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j660.
- “Magnolia Figo Var. Crassipes.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/27341/Magnolia-figo-var-crassipes/Details.
- “Magnolia Figo Var. Crassipes.” Plant Database. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.plantsrescue.com/magnolia-figo-var-crassipes/.
