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Play video · 3:06Michelia figo: Pruning and Care Advice
If you’ve walked past a garden on a spring afternoon and caught a sweet, fruity scent like old-school Juicy Fruit or Hubba Bubba, it may well have been a Michelia figo, also known as the Port Wine Magnolia or Magnolia figo. In the video above, our tree expert Douglas explains why it’s his favourite Michelia for fragrance. They’re coming into flower now, so it’s a great time to pick one up.
When does it smell best?
The scent is strongest in the late afternoon, from about 3:30–4pm. Plant it near a deck, path or window where you’ll notice it. The flowers are small and tucked in among the leaves, dark purple on the inside, but they put out plenty of scent.
Where to plant it
Douglas’s key tip is to avoid full sun. Too much sun, especially with too little water, gives you yellowing, scorched leaves. In a sheltered spot, the foliage stays a deep, glossy green. That makes it a great choice for places most plants struggle in: under big trees, sheltered corners, or spots that only get late afternoon sun. Plant it in well-drained soil. It’s an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub that reaches around 3 m tall and 2 m wide after 10 years.
Pruning
Douglas trims his like a Buxus hedge. No hard cutting back is needed, just a light clip over the tips every now and then to keep it thick. If it’s coming into flower, go easy so you keep the blooms. His one at home is an easy 2.5 metres tall and as dense as can be.
It also makes a great hedge or a standalone specimen tree.
Need advice?
For exotics and fruit trees, get in touch with Douglas at Leafland. For natives, Natalie is your go-to.
Douglas - douglas@leafland.co.nz
Natalie - natalie@leafland.co.nz
