Banana Shrub

Banana Shrub

5 Gallon
$99.00
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Banana Shrub
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Banana Shrub

Michelia figo

Sweet Banana-Scented Flowers • Tough & Adaptable Evergreen Shrub • Reliably Hardy for All Bay Area

$99.00
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.

Despite its name, the Banana Shrub is a member of the magnolia family, celebrated for its unique flowers that emit a delightful, sweet fragrance uncannily reminiscent of ripe bananas. This easy-going, hardy evergreen shrub is covered in small, creamy-yellow, magnolia-like flowers in spring. It is a charming, trouble-free, and reliably hardy choice for adding a touch of whimsical fragrance to Bay Area gardens.

  • Produces small, creamy yellow to purple-tinged flowers in spring that release a strong, sweet, banana-like fragrance.

  • An exceptionally tough, adaptable, and cold-hardy evergreen shrub (to around 10°F / -12°C), thriving in sun or part shade with moderate water.

  • Requires minimal care, is pest-resistant, and can be easily pruned to shape or maintain size as a large shrub or small multi-trunked tree.

  • A fantastic, low-risk introduction to fragrant shrubs that performs reliably throughout the entire Bay Area.

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: Does it produce edible bananas?A:No. The name refers solely to the scent of its flowers. It is an ornamental shrub (Magnolia figo).

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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Prefer to talk through your space? Our team can help you plan and source everything.

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Garden services to match your plants

Prefer not to do the heavy lifting? Our field team can help with key projects across the Bay Area.

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Expert planting for healthy, long-lasting plant growth

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Bay Area crane rental with certified operators—planned picks, safe lifts, and precise placement for heavy or hard-to-access installs.

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Lightweight garden design, no hardscape.

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Two gardeners on site to prune, shape, and tidy your existing trees and shrubs. Perfect for overgrown hedges, view windows, and seasonal refreshes.

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