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The Banana shrub has a sweet fragrance that could be called “banana candy.” PHOTO/EXTENSION SERVICES
It seems that many of our showiest shrubs are tropical ones which sometimes cause us extra work in the spring, as stems have died back during the winter. In the worst cases, the shrubs can just die all the way to the ground. In addition, some of these shrubs grow fast in the summer adding more work during the hottest time of the year. What if there were some interesting and unusual alternatives better suited to our climate?
The good news is we have some options. We just need to know what they are, so that we can find and plant them.
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: A colorful showy evergreen shrub called Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (YTT) usually blooms nearly year-round, but especially during spring and summer. Its name comes from the colors of the flowers, which start as purple, change to lavender the next day, and then to white on the following day, though the exact timing of the color changes may vary. Though each individual flower is not that showy, it is most interesting to see the plant in full bloom with the three colors of lightly fragrant blooms all over.
The YTT will grow to 7-10 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. The scientific name is Brunsfelsia grandiflora, this evergreen shrub will thrive in sun or part shade. It needs acidic to slightly alkaline soil and tolerates moderate drought and moderate wetness at times. It belongs to the nightshade family, which means that berries and leaves should not be accessible to children and pets which might eat them.
Banana Shrub: This unusual plant comes in two different forms, which are the Allspice Banana shrub (Michelia doltsopa x figo), and the regular banana shrub (Michelia figo). Both are in the Magnolia family. They resemble a Sweet Bay Magnolia with tiny flowers, but the significant difference is in the fragrance. While the Sweet Bay itself can be quite fragrant, the banana shrub goes a step farther. The first time we encountered a blooming one, we thought a person had come up with a banana split with extra sugary syrup added. If there were a thing called banana candy, this is what it would smell like. The Allspice one has fuzzy, attractive brown buds, even before they morph into a small whitish banana shaped bud.
Both types grow to 10-15 feet tall by 6-15 feet wide, with 3-inch glossy evergreen leaves, though Allspice leaves may reach 4-8 inches. Banana shrubs can be trained to be either a tree or a shrub. They will become thicker as they mature. They need sun to part shade, and acidic to slightly alkaline well-drained soil. After establishment they are moderately drought tolerant and bloom in spring. The pest to watch for would be scale, which should be treated with horticultural oil.
Florida Anis: This evergreen’s leaves have a fragrance similar to licorice or anise. However, it is not the edible variety, so do not eat or cook with it, just enjoy the scent and the beauty. It grows to 10-15 feet high and 6-10 feet wide, in part sun or part shade. It needs acidic to slightly alkaline well-drained moist soil. Maroon flowers are showy for two weeks in spring.
If you are unable to find this one, the Yellow Anise is most similar, but with the absence of showy flowers.
Red Bottlebrush: If you love hummingbirds and butterflies, just grab one of these and take it home. The red bottlebrush grows in sun to part shade in acid to slightly alkaline soil. Normal size is 15 feet by 15 feet, and there are no major pests.
To learn more, contact the Plant Clinic at 321-697-3000 for a free phone consultation. Master Gardeners are available to help you with your garden questions or email us at UF-IFAS Extension Services at epabon5@ufl.edu.
