Banana Shrub Hybrid
Magnolia x foggii '#2'
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Magnolia x foggii '#2' is a handsome evergreen hybrid, a large shrub or small upright tree grown for glossy year-round foliage and a generous early-spring flush of white, magnolia-like flowers about three inches across. The long, leathery leaves, three to five inches each, give the plant a lush, substantial look, and even a young plant flowers well.
The cross is one of cultivated origin, first made in 1972 by John M. Fogg, a magnolia enthusiast and one-time director of the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia. The parents are two former Michelia species, now folded into Magnolia: the banana shrub, Magnolia figo, and the tender, sweet-scented Magnolia doltsopa. From that pairing the hybrid takes vigor, dense evergreen foliage, and abundant bloom, and the whole group carries the name Magnolia x foggii.
A word on the fragrance, in the interest of honesty: the sweetly scented clones of this hybrid are famous for a banana-and-vanilla perfume, but this particular selection, our clone '#2', carries a heavier, muskier scent that some find less charming than the flowers deserve. The flowers themselves are lovely all the same, creamy white, often touched with pink at the edges, and freely produced against the dark leaves in early spring.
Give '#2' fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny to lightly shaded spot, and use the plant as an evergreen screen, an informal hedge, or a specimen where dense, glossy foliage is wanted through the year. In the warm zones where the hybrid is hardy, few broadleaf evergreens grow so fast or flower so young, and the early bloom draws the season's first pollinators. An uncommon plant for the collector who values evergreen structure and a magnolia's early flowers.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Fertile
- Mature size
- Height 20–25 Feet · Spread 10–15 Feet
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
White, magnolia-like flowers touched with pink, early spring
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.