The Banana-Scented Flower That'll Thrive In Your Garden With Little Sunlight

If you are searching for an aromatic, exotic plant for your garden, look no further than the banana shrub (Magnolia figo). Growing up to 10 feet in height with elegant cup-shaped blooms in hues of purple, yellow, and cream, this evergreen shrub will elevate the look of your yard and bring in a touch of intrigue. Banana shrubs come from China, having first made their way over to the U.S. in 1789. Since then, many gardeners have fallen in love with its beauty and its unique scent. As you can probably tell from its name, the banana shrub smells like ripe bananas, bringing a new aroma into your garden. This interesting shrub doesn't need much sun to be happy, either. It can grow in a range of lighting conditions, but this flowering shrub thrives in the shade and blooms much better in partial shade. Too much sun can make its foliage turn a yellowish color. 

Alongside its beautiful blooms that decorate the plant in April and June, the foliage of the banana shrub is also pretty eye-catching. It has glossy, flat leaves that appear in a rich, deep green color. As an evergreen, the foliage of the banana shrub brings color into your yard throughout the seasons. It is a fairly slow-growing shrub, growing in a rounded, open habit. 

Banana shrubs are suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 10. They do best in slightly acidic, sandy soil that has good drainage. Before planting your banana shrub, add some organic matter to the soil. You should also ensure that the plant is protected from strong winds. After planting, water your banana shrub regularly to help it establish itself. You may wish to mulch the root zone to ensure consistent moisture. 

Once established, this fragrant tree that will make your yard smell better than ever is a fairly low-maintenance garden addition. It is a drought-resistant plant that doesn't have too many problems throughout the seasons. However, it can be sensitive to overly wet or overly dry soils, so it's helpful to keep the soil moist. The banana shrub tends to take pruning well, so you can keep it short and compact if you wish, or let it grow into a tree. Any pruning should be done straight after flowering, as the buds for next year will form in the early summer. Banana shrubs are typically pest-free, but watch out for false oleander scale. If they appear, you can get rid of the scale on your plant with a horticultural oil spray.