Banana Shrub (Michelia figo): Fragrant Southern Heirloom for Zone 8+

Banana shrub (Michelia figo, formerly Magnolia fuscata) has small yellow flowers with intense banana fragrance. "Fresketti" is a corruption of fuscata.

Hardiness

• Reliable from Macon, GA southward (Zone 8+).
• Atlanta (Zone 7b) is marginal; needs sheltered microclimate.
• Ryan Gainey grows a large specimen in Decatur (protected site).

Culture

Plant where figs thrive. Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil. Evergreen, 6–10 feet tall.