A dense evergreen shrub with small cup-shaped cream flowers edged maroon that release a powerful banana-and-bubblegum perfume on warm days. A classic fragrant screening plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Port Wine Magnolia
Botanically, Michelia figo is a moderate-growing shrub in the Magnoliaceae family. It reaches around 3 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green and purple flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Port Wine Magnolia
Port Wine Magnolia suits subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Port Wine Magnolia does best in free-draining, loamy and acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Port Wine Magnolia is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Port Wine Magnolia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Port Wine Magnolia in the garden
Port Wine Magnolia earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, its fragrance and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Port Wine Magnolia with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Port Wine Magnolia
Plant Sale lists Port Wine Magnolia as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.