Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Banana fiscata

The banana fiscata, known scientifically as Michelia figo, is a delightful evergreen tree that brings a touch of exotic elegance to any garden. With its glossy leaves and fragrant blooms, this plant is perfect for enhancing landscapes while providing a sensory experience through its captivating scent. Native to the mountainous regions of China, the banana fiscata is often noted for its ability to thrive in various conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardeners across New Zealand.

Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia)

5 from 2 customers

Portwine Magnolia

Michelia figo, commonly known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is a compact evergreen tree prized for its delightfully fragrant, cream-white flowers and glossy foliage. Ideal for hedging, screening, or as a specimen tree, it brings year-round beauty and subtle perfume to New Zealand gardens. This hardy and low-maintenance plant thrives in well-drained soil and adds elegance to both formal and informal landscapes.

A Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) plant with pink blushed flowers and dark green foliage.
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    3.00 m
  • Spread:
    2.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring, Winter
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Michelia Bubbles

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$35.94
A fabuous Michelia gracipes pleached hedge with lush green foliage and masses of cream-white flowers.
Most Popular

Michelia gracipes

Michelia gracipes, commonly known as the Banana Shrub, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage and highly fragrant, creamy-yellow...

From$29.94
michelia-touch-of-pink-
Most Popular

Michelia Touch of Pink

Michelia 'Touch of Pink' is a compact evergreen tree admired for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant cream-white flowers tinged with pink that...

From$305.68
A Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Most Popular

Michelia Velvet and Cream

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$125.88
Michelia yunnanensis white flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Most Popular

Michelia yunnanensis

Michelia yunnanensis is a compact, evergreen tree renowned for its glossy, green leaves and highly fragrant, white flowers, which bloom from late...

From$29.94
lagerstroemia-d-puard-1
Most Popular

Lagerstroemia De Puard

“D Puard” is a stunning, small tree grown for its lovely flowers and colourful foliage. It produces clusters of ruffled, light pink flowers in such...

From$416.50
gleditsia-sunburst-2
Most Popular

Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst

“Sunburst” is an impressive, deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and colourful foliage. It carries fine and lush, yellow foliage through spring...

From$305.68
cornus-eddies-white-wonder-1
Most Popular

Cornus Eddie's White Wonder

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

From$266.60
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
Most Popular

Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$11.95
A spectacular Magnolia 'Felix' tree with masses of bright pink flowers.
Most Popular

Magnolia Felix

Magnolia 'Felix' is a striking deciduous tree bred in New Zealand, known for its massive, rich pink flowers up to 30 cm wide that bloom in early...

From$384.70
Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Michelia or Evergreen Trees.

Search Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia)

Characteristics of Michelia figo

The banana fiscata showcases thick, dark green leaves that can grow up to 10 cm long, creating a lush backdrop for its stunning flowers. These flowers are delightful, cup-shaped, and emit a sweet fragrance reminiscent of bananas (hence the common name). Typically, the blooms appear in spring and summer, attracting pollinators and adding vibrant life to your garden.

One of the great features of the Michelia figo is its growth habit; it can reach heights of about 3-4 meters, making it a suitable choice for hedges or as a standalone feature in your landscape. When planted in well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun exposure, the banana fiscata will flourish, providing beauty and fragrance for many years.

Plant Uses and Benefits

Incorporating banana fiscata into your gardening plans can bring several benefits. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the plant is known for its ability to create a sense of privacy and shelter in outdoor spaces. The dense foliage acts as a natural screen, helping to reduce noise and wind.

Additionally, its fragrant flowers can enhance outdoor living areas, making them more inviting. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening on your patio, the sweet scent of Michelia figo adds a unique charm to your environment.

This versatile plant also pairs well with other varieties of Michelia. For instance, consider combining it with Michelia Bubbles for a striking display or adding Michelia Touch of Pink for complementary color.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for your banana fiscata is relatively straightforward. Regular watering and occasional pruning will keep it healthy and promote bushier growth. It’s important to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged; well-drained soil is key to preventing root rot. Fertilization in early spring with a balanced fertilizer can also encourage blooming and robust growth.

In addition to Michelia figo, you may want to explore related species that complement its features. The fragrant Michelia gracipes provides an excellent option for those looking to expand their flowering tree collection. Moreover, if you appreciate unique trees, consider the Salix matsudana Tortuosa or the vibrant Metrosideros Moonlight and Metrosideros thomasii.

In conclusion, the banana fiscata (Michelia figo) is an extraordinary choice for homeowners and gardeners eager to add a touch of fragrance and beauty to their landscape. With its lovely blooms, lush foliage, and ease of care, it’s no wonder this plant is gaining popularity among gardeners in New Zealand. Add it to your garden today and enjoy the years of beauty and fragrance it will bring.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

You know Aesculus hippocastanum and Zephyranthes candida, but have you met Leptospermum nana Huia, Malus Tom Matthews, and Quince Smyrna? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews