kwtimo
Well-Known Member
- 596
- 22/05/10
- 342
- 83
As a gardener and grower in the lower Keys, I always try to use uncommon, interesting and collectible plant material. I have always enjoyed expanding my knowledge and experience with scented plants, and I was extremely happy to come across Michelia Figo a couple of years ago. I was familiar with the deliciously scented Michelia Alba and Champaca as canopy tress, but I was unaware that there was a shrub form that could provide for a whole different experience. Tolerant of full sun to fairly deep shade, These attractive shrubs have the typical Magnolia type buds for both leaf and flower. The creamy yellow, 1 inch short lived blooms really pack a punch of heavenly scent when open, especially when the air is thick and humid. These respond quite well to pruning, and can be kept fairly tight if desired. The plants I purchased in Alachua County are a cultivar called Michelia Figo var. Skineriana, which is supposed to be a more scale resistant form. These can grow throughout the entire state of Florida, and across the southern Gulf States. I've even heard them called Banana Magnolia in Mississippi. I get random bloom processions about every 4 to 6 weeks in Key West. The pics here are of a plant that is in fairly deep shade. I've also included a pic of the minor scale that can be expected from time to time.This is a wonderful shrub that is worth the space in the garden, but find out for yourself!
![michellia figo 012.jpg michellia figo 012.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17435-666f525f8b9652b300c8a8b4c2aa416c.jpg)
![michellia figo 004.jpg michellia figo 004.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17436-fd8ed8916debae9f45faa27067f6d33b.jpg)
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![michellia figo 013.jpg michellia figo 013.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17438-237e588b12b0d0a766bafe9956e0718e.jpg)
![michellia figo 005.jpg michellia figo 005.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17439-b7abfdd59facd780cf6b780a22b63047.jpg)
![michellia figo 012.jpg michellia figo 012.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17435-666f525f8b9652b300c8a8b4c2aa416c.jpg)
![michellia figo 004.jpg michellia figo 004.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17436-fd8ed8916debae9f45faa27067f6d33b.jpg)
![michellia figo 006.jpg michellia figo 006.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17437-419c84e4830a7623a8c3ce4b416c570d.jpg)
![michellia figo 013.jpg michellia figo 013.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17438-237e588b12b0d0a766bafe9956e0718e.jpg)
![michellia figo 005.jpg michellia figo 005.jpg](https://forum.palmpedia.com/data/attachments/17/17439-b7abfdd59facd780cf6b780a22b63047.jpg)