The Port Wine Magnolia
Michelia Figo (syn Magnolia figo) is available in a number of species or cultivars (including standard forms) including the large leafed form M. figo ‘Coco’. Growing well in full sun to part shade M. Figo which is commonly known as the ‘Port Wine Magnolia’ will reach a height of 4 – 5m.
Garden Uses
Widely used as hedge or screening plant, frost tolerant and with nice scented flowers. This is a shrub that copes well in a range of conditions but does not like hot dry positions. Look for cultivars such as ‘bubbles’ and the well know’ mixed up miss’ .
Michelia Figo or ‘Port Wine Magnolia’ can be used as a hedging plant, or planted as a fragrant plant near a pathway where the sweet perfume from the flowers in spring can be appreciated. Also suited to growing on a deck or balcony in a container.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not required as this is a slow growing, naturally neat and compact plant. However you can prune lightly each year to maintain size as required.
Michelia Figo Care
Fairly slow growing taking around 10 – 12 years to reach 3m in height, the Port Wine Magnolia requires little pruning.
Prepare for planting in a slightly acid soil, humus rich and well drained.
- Full sun to afternoon shade in warmer areas.
- Humus rich moist soil with good drainage.
- Mulch to maintain a cool root run.
- Use a slow release general purpose fertiliser in spring.
- Top dress with a little blood and bone in late winter.
A versatile plant that will grow in full sun to part shade. Mulch well to provide a cool root run. Fertilize in spring.
Michelia figo Landscaping Uses
Popular with landscapers for its good foliage and low care nature, Michelia figo can be used as a hedging plant, a filler in the border or as a container grown specimen plant.
The fragrance is heightened on warm evenings, so for maximum impact plant M.figo near a pathway leading to the house in a warm sheltered position.
Summary Information
- Species – Michelia figo (syn Magnolia figo)
- Cultivar –
- Common Name – Port Wine Magnolia
- Growth Habit – Upright bushy
- Growth Rate – Slow
- Soil – Humus rich, moist, well drained.
- Sun – Full sun to light shade. Afternoon shade in very hot positions.
- Water – Water well though first summers.
- Landscaping Uses – Fragrant border shrub. Low hedge as well as potted specimen plant.
- Pruning – Generally not required. Can be pruned to shape if needed after flowering.
- Propagation – Cuttings
- Container growing – Excellent for containers
Other Magnolias to consider
- Magnolia delavayi
- Magnolia grandiflora
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Greenback’
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Kay Parris’
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘Exmouth’
- Magnolia grandiflora ‘St Marys’
- Michelia
Michelia Figo is available for sale from the following nurseries
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
Wholesale Growers
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au