Small round tree from China. Produces highly fragrant purple flowers in spring and summer. Excellent tree to include in a perfume garden. Fragrance is said to be stronger in the evening. Prefers moist, slightly acidic, well drained soil. Keep the ground mulched in dry periods to stop the soil from drying out.
Michelia figo (Port Wine Magnolia) is an evergreen tree to 3 metres. It is an excellent choice for a flowering hedge. It has cream to purple coloured fleshy flowers with glossy dark green leaves, and a very string perfume that is reminiscent of bananas, tutti fruity gum or similar strong fruity smells.
Shallow rooted, but dense (but slow) growing, so perfect for hedges and topiary.
Grown in shade, Port Wine Magnolia shrubs grow more open and looser and as such may grow taller than expected. Port wines grown in sunny situations tend to be more compact with denser foliage.
It has an Evergreen lifecycle, which is defined as a plant that keeps its leaves throughout the year.
Normally growing to a mature height of 3.00 metres (9.75 feet), Port wine magnolia grows with a tree habit. This plant tends to bloom in early spring.
China is believed to be where Port wine magnolia originates from.
Port wine magnolia is normally fairly low maintenance and quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant.
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