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Common Name: michelia
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Magnoliaceae
Zone: 10 to 11
Native Range: Japan
Height: 10 to 15 feet
Spread: 5 to 12 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: Pale yellow to whitish
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Leaves: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where it is best grown in moist, organically rich, acidic, well-drained loams in part shade. Plants perform well in morning sun followed by part shade in the heat of the afternoon or in sun dappled conditions under tree canopies. Foliage may burn in full sun exposures. Best sited in a location protected from high winds (minimize potential damage to leaves). May be grown in planters placed on a porch or deck.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Michelia compressa is a small evergreen tree that grows in its native habitat to as much as 40' tall with a dense rounded crown. In ornamental plantings, it often is seen growing much shorter (to 10-15' tall and to 5-12' wide). It is sometimes grown as a large shrub. It is native to flat lands and forests in Japan, the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan. Michelia is very similar to Magnolia, except it has smaller flowers that bloom in the leaf axils along the branches. Fragrant, tulip-shaped, pale yellow to whitish flowers (to 2" wide) bloom in mid to late spring. Flowers are followed by 3-seeded fruits. Oblong, leathery, glossy, green leaves (to 4" long) are evergreen, but will fall off somewhat sporadically throughout the year rather than all falling at the same time. Genus name honors Pietro Antonio Micheli, Florentine botanist (1679-1737).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Potential disease problems include leaf spots. Potential insect problems include scale, snails, slugs. Spider mites may appear.
Garden Uses
For tropical and subtropical climates, michelia is a beautiful flowering evergreen tree or shrub for lawns, foundations, shrub borders or woodland peripheries. It may be grown as a tall informal hedge. Where not winter hardy, plants may be grown in containers that must be overwintered indoors in a sun room or greenhouse.