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How to Grow Banana Magnolia Trees
How to Grow Banana Magnolia Trees. Banana-scented flowers give this evergreen shrub its nickname: banana magnolia (Michelia figo). Banana magnolias are cold-tolerant, and because they grow slowly and only to 8 feet in height, they do well in containers. Flowers are off-white with purple splotches or streaks. Because the banana magnolia blooms in...
Banana-scented flowers give this evergreen shrub its nickname: banana magnolia (Michelia figo). Banana magnolias are cold-tolerant, and because they grow slowly and only to 8 feet in height, they do well in containers. Flowers are off-white with purple splotches or streaks. Because the banana magnolia blooms in late winter and then off and on throughout the summer, the shrub is perfect for those areas that need a bit of life in the winter. Grow banana magnolia in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 10.
Things You'll Need
Fertilizer
Mulch
Horticultural oil spray
Water to keep the soil around the newly planted banana magnolia moist at all times. Fairly drought tolerant in maturity, water to a depth of 8 inches during periods of drought.
Keep a 3-inch layer of mulch on the soil around the banana magnolia year-round. Replace it with fresh mulch in the spring. Apply the mulch 4 inches from the base of the shrub and spread it to the drip line.
Fertilize the banana magnolia in early spring with a fertilizer labeled for acid-loving plants. Spread the fertilizer on the soil, at the rate listed on the label, 6 inches from the base of the shrub, and spread it out to the drip line. Water as normal after application.
Treat pest problems as soon as you notice them. Banana magnolias are attractive to false oleander scale, an insect that will evidence itself by leaving small white dots on the surface of the plant's foliage. Spray the banana magnolia with a horticultural oil product per label instructions.
