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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Port Wine Magnolia does best with regular, moderate watering. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
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. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
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 easier irrigation and care, group Port Wine Magnolia with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Buying Port Wine Magnolia
Plant Sale lists Port Wine Magnolia as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
