If you are looking for a fragrant shrub that will produce a fragrance that will become a talking point, you may want to try to get your hands on Michelia figo, which is a relative of the white champaca (Michelia x alba). Commonly known as the the banana shrub, port wine magnolia or chenille copperleaf, Michelia figo originated from south-eastern China.
A member of the magnolia family, Magnoliaceae, it is widely cultivated mainly as ornamental shrub, which can attain a height of about 2 m. Some internet sources state that it can grow up to 4 m. As a plant, it exhibits a compact, profusely branched growth habit and several individuals can be grown closely together to form a hedge. Its branches seem to grow in a zigzag-like manner and densely covered with fine brown hairs. The leaves of this shrub are evergreen, lustrous and dark green in colour and like the rest of the plant, they also have brown hairs on the undersides. Even the flower buds feel furry!
Unfortunately, Michelia figo is not a prolific bloomer in Singapore. When it flowers, it produces magnolia-like flowers that measure about 5 cm in diameter. They first appear almost white in colour which gradually turn into a darker shade of yellow before fading away. The flowers of Michelia figo have a very interesting fragrance. To me, they seem to emit a pleasant odour reminiscent of bananas. Some may think the fragrance resemble more like ripening honeydew melons.
The fragrance of one flower needs to be appreciated at close proximity and to enjoy the fragrance of this shrub, one should grow several individuals so that the delightful perfume from a larger number of flowers can permeate the garden space. But be warned – it can become overwhelming to some people!
Not surprisingly, the flowers of this shrub are also used in hair lotions. The extraction of fresh flowers and distillation of the leaves yield two different fragrant essential oils which are used in high-quality perfumes. In China, scented ‘yulan’ tea is prepared with the flowers of the white champaca (Michelia x alba) and Michelia figo.
This plant can be grown in containers. It prefers to be grown in a sunny location although it is said to be able to grow in shade. In shadier locations, it is described to develop a more open growth habit but I think flowering will also be less frequent and profuse. Like most other shrubs, it should be planted in a well-draining location with fertile soil. Mulch the base of plants with compost to keep the roots cool and to supply organic matter which will help to retain moisture and release nutrients as it breaks down. It is seldom bothered by pests but may be bothered occasionally by scale insects and sooty mould.
