Michelia_Alba

Michelia Alba Tree

24" Box
$599.00
Sale price  $599.00 Regular price 
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Michelia Alba Tree

Michelia champaca 'Alba', Champaca

World-Renowned Intoxicating Fragrance • Fast-Growing Tropical Evergreen • Perfume Industry Star

$599.00
Sale price  $599.00 Regular price 
Container size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Michelia Alba, or White Champaca, is the quintessential tree for exquisite, penetrating fragrance. Its slender, creamy-white flowers emit one of the most prized and intoxicating perfumes in the plant world, used in high-end perfumery. This fast-growing, broad-leaved evergreen brings a lush, tropical feel and unforgettable sensory appeal to sheltered, frost-free gardens in the Bay Area.

  • Prized for the intensely sweet, complex, and long-lasting fragrance of its creamy, narrow-petaled flowers, which bloom intermittently from late spring through summer.

  • Grows rapidly into a medium-sized, densely foliaged evergreen tree with a broad, spreading canopy of glossy, dark green leaves.

  • Requires a warm, protected microclimate; it is frost-tender and should only be planted in the warmest, most frost-free pockets of Zone 9a. Damaged by temperatures below 28-30°F.

  • Prefers rich, well-drained, acidic soil, consistent moisture, and protection from strong afternoon sun and drying winds.

  • Its exceptional fragrance makes it a coveted specimen for planting near patios, entryways, or open windows where the scent can be enjoyed.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Oblong leaves with prominent veins in deep green. Slender, creamy-white fleshy flowers bloom profusely from April to September, releasing an intense sweet fragrance prized in perfumery.
  • Mature Height: 25–30 ft
  • Mature Width: 25–30 ft
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Light Needs: Filtered sunlight (avoid intense afternoon sun)
  • Key Advantages:Prolonged fragrant blooming,Rapid growth for quick shade,Premium aromatic flowers,Pruning-responsive
  • Special Care:Requires summer shade cloth (30–50%),Fertilize monthly during bloom season,Avoid waterlogged soils
  • Landscape Uses:Perfume garden centerpieces,Poolside shade trees,Mediterranean-style landscapes,Aromatic hedges
FAQs

Q: Where in the Bay Area can it realistically survive outdoors year-round?
A: Only in the very warmest, most protected urban microclimates, typically in the inner East Bay valleys (Sunset zone 14/15) or south of San Jose (zones 15, 16). Elsewhere, it is a high-risk plant that may require winter protection or is best grown in a large container to be moved indoors during frost warnings.

Q: Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
A: This is usually due to low humidity, dry soil, or salt/mineral buildup from tap water (it prefers slightly acidic conditions). Increase humidity with mulch and regular deep watering with rainwater or filtered water if possible.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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