How to Take Care of a Michelia Figo

Michelia figo, commonly called banana shrubs, aren't related to the edible fruit, but the delicate summer blooms produce a strong banana scent. These shrubs grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, where they have evergreen foliage and provide year-round interest. The mature shrubs can grow up to 10 feet tall, but they are usually pruned to maintain a shorter and fuller form. Low-maintenance banana shrubs remain attractive with minimal care, and they also resist most pests and diseases.

Mulch
Pruning shears
Neem oil
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Water the shrubs once a week during the first year after planting, providing 1 to 2 inches of water or enough to moisten the the soil throughout the root zone. Once established, banana shrubs are drought-tolerant and rarely require watering.
- 2
  Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the soil, pulling it back so it doesn't rest against the lower stems of the shrub. Mulch helps retain moisture and prevents weed growth.
- 3
  Prune the banana shrub after it finishes its main flush of blooming in early summer. Cut back dead or damaged stems to the nearest healthy wood, making the cuts within 1/4 inch of a leaf or bud. Cut back the remaining branches to the desired length, removing no more than one-half the shrub's height during pruning.
- 4
  Monitor the shrub for leaf scale, which forms as white specks on the foliage of the banana shrub. Place a 2 tablespoons of neem oil in 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray the affected leaves until they are thoroughly coated. Repeat the application at seven-day intervals for a total of five applications.

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