About This

• Banana Bush or Banana Shrub is a large-growing, flowering perennial that is native to China. It is a member of the Magnolia family, and was introduced into the United States in the 1700s. The common name Banana Shrub is so called because the buttery yellow to cream flowers, reminiscent of magnolia blossoms, that appear in the spring have a distinctive, sweet smell very similar to ripe bananas. The relationship to bananas is just a similar smell. It does not produce any edible fruit.
• The blossoms begin to emerge from long, cigar-shaped buds in mid to late Spring, and are made up of six waxy, cream to buttery yellow petals with pretty ruby red to purple margins. The shrub grows large, but does so slowly, maturing into a well-branched evergreen bush with deep green, glossy, slightly elongated leaves as much as 15 feet tall. However, it is easily maintained at lower heights in a hedge form.
• Care: When mature, plant in fertile, well-draining soil or potting media in a full sun to very light shade area. Water as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture. Feed a good quality, slow-release, bloom-boosting fertilizer with the initial planting and annually in spring thereafter. Beautyberries bloom and set berries on new growth, so prune in the early spring to shape and limit size.
• Indoor Growing: As a slow, moderately cold-hardy plant, the Banana Shrub can be grown indoors for a time. However, it requires the full spectrum of light for 4 to 6 hours daily and a period of winter chilling during dormancy to produce flowers and berries, so growing outdoors and then bringing inside to display berries is likely a better strategy.
• Climate: Recommended for Temperate to Tropical Climates. USDA Zones 7, 8, 9,10

Overview

• Indoor/Outdoor Usage : Outdoor
• Brand : Emerald Goddess Gardens
• Material Feature : California Certified, Grown In USA, Live Plant, Nursery Grown, Starter Size
• Color : Yellow, Green
• Special Feature : Attracts Pollinators, Cold-Tolerant, Extended Bloom Time, Fragrant, Low Maintenace
• Expected Blooming Period : Spring to Summer
• Item Weight : 2 pounds
• Sunlight Exposure : Full Sun
• Unit Count : 1 Count
• Expected Planting Period : Spring