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

port wine magnolia new zealand

The port wine magnolia New Zealand gardeners love is a timeless addition to Kiwi gardens, prized for its compact habit, glossy evergreen foliage, and intoxicatingly sweet, port wine-scented blooms. Also known as Michelia figo, this versatile shrub brings elegance and year-round interest to landscapes across the country. Whether you’re seeking privacy hedging, an aromatic screening plant, or a showpiece for your outdoor space, the port wine magnolia thrives in diverse New Zealand climates and soils, making it a standout choice for a range of garden styles.

magnolia-grandiflora-ferruginea-2

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and large fragrant white flowers. Flowering through summer, this elegant tree adds year round beauty, structure, and privacy to NZ gardens.

From $515.35

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
A Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) plant with pink blushed flowers and dark green foliage.

Michelia figo

5 from 2 customers

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.

From $41.33

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
magnolia-grandiflora-kay-parris-
Magnolia 'Kay Parris'

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' is an elegant evergreen tree prized for its glossy foliage, compact growth habit, and impressive creamy white flowers. The...

From$387.55
magnolia-russet-
Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet' is a striking evergreen magnolia valued for its glossy dark green leaves with rich russet brown undersides and large...

From$387.55
magnolia-vulcan-
Magnolia 'Vulcan'

Magnolia 'Vulcan' is an iconic deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and celebrated for its spectacular large deep crimson red flowers that appear...

From$270.40
A dark pink Magnolia 'Cameo' flower on a young tree before the foliage emerges.
Magnolia 'Cameo'

Magnolia 'Cameo' is a stunning deciduous magnolia prized for its upright, tulip-shaped flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring. The blooms are...

From$387.55
Arctotis 'Magenta Wine' purple flower.
Arctotis 'Magenta Wine'

Arctotis 'Magenta Wine' delivers rich magenta blooms that bring depth and vibrancy to NZ gardens. This striking variety thrives in full sun and dry...

From$22.01
An exquisite Magnolia 'Iolanthe' two-tone pink flower.
Magnolia Iolanthe

Magnolia 'Iolanthe' is a stunning deciduous magnolia known for its large, goblet-shaped pink flowers with creamy interiors that bloom in early to...

From$387.55
Grape Sauvignon Blanc fruit hanging on a vine.
Grape 'Sauvignon Blanc'

Grape 'Sauvignon Blanc' is a world-famous white wine grape known for producing crisp, aromatic wines with notes of tropical fruit, lime, and...

From$29.95
Exquisite Magnolia 'Genie' dark purple flowers.
Magnolia 'Genie'

Magnolia 'Genie' is a compact, deciduous magnolia prized for its rich, burgundy-purple, tulip-shaped flowers, which bloom in early spring. This...

From$270.40
A lovely Magnolia 'Lennei alba' specimen tree covered in white flowers.
Magnolia lennei 'Alba'

Magnolia 'Lennei Alba', commonly known as Saucer Magnolia, bears masses of large, showy, semi-double, fragrant, ivory-white flowers that are borne on...

From$387.55
Magnolia 'Cleopatra' purple flowers.
Magnolia 'Cleopatra'

Magnolia 'Cleopatra' is a compact, upright deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and admired for its large, goblet-shaped, cerise-purple flowers...

From$270.40
magnolia-stellata-waterlily-5
Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily'

Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' is a beautiful deciduous magnolia admired for its masses of fragrant white flowers that appear in late winter and early...

From$270.40
magnolia-campbellii-charles-raffill-2
Magnolia 'Charles Raffill'

Magnolia 'Charles Raffill' is an impressive deciduous tree prized for its spectacular spring flowers and handsome garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2
Magnolia 'Heaven Scent'

Magnolia 'Heaven Scent' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its fragrant spring flowers and attractive upright form. The large blooms appear on...

From$387.55
A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.
Magnolia 'Star Wars'

Magnolia 'Star Wars' is a striking deciduous magnolia known for its large, star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink with pale interiors. Blooming...

From$387.55
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1
Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'

Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and compact garden form. The...

From$270.40
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia 'Deryk'

Magnolia 'Deryk' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
magnolia-denudata-gere-4
Magnolia denudata 'Gere'

Magnolia denudata 'Gere' is a magnificent deciduous tree celebrated for its large, fragrant white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring...

From$387.55
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to...

From$270.40
magnolia-grandiflora-dd-blanchard-1
Magnolia 'DD Blanchard'

Magnolia 'DD Blanchard' is a magnificent evergreen tree admired for its large glossy green leaves with rich copper brown undersides and elegant...

From$515.35
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia 'Margaret Helen'

Magnolia 'Margaret Helen' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its impressive spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
magnolia-grandiflora-teddy-bear-4
Magnolia 'Teddy Bear'

Magnolia 'Teddy Bear' is a compact evergreen magnolia admired for its glossy dark green leaves with rich brown felted undersides and its large...

From$270.40
magnolia-honey-tulip-1
Magnolia 'Honey Tulip'

Magnolia 'Honey Tulip' is an outstanding deciduous tree renowned for its rich golden yellow, tulip shaped flowers that appear in early spring before...

From$515.35
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'

Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
weigela-wine-and-roses-2
Weigela 'Wine And Roses'

Weigela 'Wine and Roses' is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its rich burgundy purple foliage and masses of vibrant rosy pink trumpet shaped...

From$25.53
A stunning white Magnolia stellata flower.
Magnolia stellata

Magnolia stellata, commonly known as the Star Magnolia or Starry Magnolia, features dark pink flower buds that open in spring to reveal star-shaped...

From$270.40
Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

From$270.40
Ajuga 'Port Wine' plant in a pot for sale at The Plant Company.
Ajuga 'Port Wine'

Ajuga 'Port Wine' brings deep wine coloured foliage and vivid blue flower spikes to NZ gardens, creating a rich tapestry of colour in shaded and semi...

OUT OF STOCK
magnolia-old-port-
Magnolia 'Old Port'

Magnolia 'Old Port' is a spectacular deciduous magnolia admired for its large deep burgundy red flowers that appear in late winter and early spring...

OUT OF STOCK
rose-old-port-1
Rose Old Port

Rose 'Old Port' is a richly coloured garden rose valued for its deep wine red blooms, classic form, and wonderful fragrance. The full flowers bring...

OUT OF STOCK
Magnolia virginiana white flower.
Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia)

Magnolia virginiana, often called sweetbay magnolia, is a refined, semi evergreen magnolia that brings fragrance and elegance to NZ gardens. Its...

OUT OF STOCK
Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Arctotis, Grape, and Magnolia, or related Categories - Grapevines, Perennials, and Evergreen Trees.

Search port wine magnolia

Why Choose Port Wine Magnolia in New Zealand Gardens?

The port wine magnolia New Zealand plant enthusiasts adore is beloved for several reasons. Originating from Southwest China but flourishing in New Zealand’s temperate regions, this shrub can grow up to 3 metres tall with minimal fuss. It’s particularly popular for its densely-packed leaves and the small, chocolate-purple flowers that erupt throughout spring and summer, infusing the air with their signature port wine and banana fragrance.

Port wine magnolia is notably tolerant of pruning, easily shaped as a formal hedge or left untrimmed for a natural look. Hardy and resistant to common pests and diseases, it’s an excellent low-maintenance option—perfect for busy home gardeners or those new to landscaping.

If you’re interested in adding this exquisite plant to your garden, the Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia) is an excellent choice to start with.

How and Where to Grow Port Wine Magnolia in New Zealand

Planting port wine magnolia New Zealand-wide is wonderfully straightforward. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil, though it adapts well to a variety of conditions. In colder regions, a sheltered site will protect the flower buds from late frosts and encourage robust growth. Water newly-established plants regularly and mulch to maintain moisture during dry spells.

Port wine magnolia fits beautifully in mixed shrub borders, as an evergreen screen, or even in large containers. For those seeking complementary plants, the Magnolia Old Port offers bold, goblet-shaped blooms, and Magnolia liliiflora (Lily Magnolia) lends a splash of dramatic colour in spring.

Fragrance-Filled Companion Plants

To highlight the beauty and aroma of the port wine magnolia New Zealand gardeners choose, consider pairing it with other robust, visually-appealing selections. Groundcovers like Ajuga 'Port Wine' provide colourful, low-maintenance foliage beneath shrubs and trees. For more evergreen structure and compact flowering form, Hebe Wiri Port is a superb addition to any New Zealand garden.

Order Your Port Wine Magnolia Today

Ready to add lasting structure and captivating fragrance to your landscape? The port wine magnolia New Zealand gardeners rely on is ready to thrive in your home garden. View our range, including the classic Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia), and enjoy expert-selected plants delivered fresh across the country. Let your garden flourish with elegance and aromatic appeal, season after season.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Garden icons like Schefflera arboricola and Gardenia radicans lead the way, but there’s magic in discovering Loropetalum 'Blonde and Gorgeous', Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm), and Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'.
–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.

4.8

463 Google reviews