Michelia figo is the Botanical name for the Port Wine Magnolia. This is not a actually a plant closely related to the Magnolia trees, it's just a common name for this plant. This plant is an evergreen, ...it keeps it's leaves throughout the cooler months. Port Wine Magnolias are in bloom here in Sydney, and the flowers are deliciously fragrant, and are found in masses amongst the green leaves.. The flowers are not overly spectacular, but on a still windless night you really notice the perfume. The plant also makes a marvellous neat hedge or screen if trimmed regularly. In gardens , it is common to see a hedge maintained to a height of around 1 metre high or a little more. Without pruning, the plant will grow into a large shrub or small tree to about 3 to 4 metres.
Planted in a full sun position, the Port Wine Magnolia will flower well in Spring and early Summer. While not a really fast growing plant, give some regular water and fertilizer, it bushes up very nicely. It is suited for frost free cool-temperate, temperate and warmer climates.
I took these photos on a walk around Sydney's Northern Suburbs.
