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Southern Living Plant Collection

Stellar Ruby Magnolia (Banana Shrub)

23 Reviews
| 2 answered questions
$36.98
  • Large bright pink blooms with yellow stamen
  • Matures to 4-6' wide by 6-8' tall
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 7 - 9
  • Plant in full sun to partial shade
Pot size

Description

With its pinkish to ruby red, star shaped blooms and sweet banana fragrance the Steller Ruby™ Magnolia shrub, also known as the Banana Shrub, makes for a beautiful addition to any suitable landscape. This is an evergreen variety of magnolia that grows at a moderate pace and quickly stretches to heights between 10 and 12 feet, eventually maturing to 15 feet or greater! This new variety of banana bush, unlike older varieties, will bloom in their early stages of growth and not only when they are mature so you will be able to enjoy the appearance and fragrance much earlier than in the past.

During spring, summer, and early fall, it showcases vibrant clusters of ruby red blossoms accented with yellow centers that emit a fragrance that is loved by many! The spring bloom is very dense and will continue through the summer and into the early fall before only the leaves remain and become the center of attention. The leaves are tough and oval shaped, bearing resemblance to the larger leaves of its kin, the southern magnolia. The leaves of the Stellar ruby measure between 4 and 6 inches in length and 3 inches in width.

Not overpowering and not faint the Stellar Ruby fragrance is often said to be reminiscent of both bananas and pears which is certainly a unique element in our opinion!

Stellar Ruby Magnolia (Banana Shrub) Care

The Stellar Ruby Magnolia boasts a greater cold resistance versus other, older magnolia variants and is suitable for USDA zones 7-9. In the chillier regions of zone 7, it's recommended to plant it in a protected spot, such as near the walls of a home.

Stellar Ruby Magnolia Sunlight Requirements

The Stellar Ruby Magnolia is versatile in its light requirements, flourishing in everything from part sun to part shade. Flowering maybe reduced in shady conditions, but these conditions will not harm the plant.

The Steller Ruby prefers moist yet well-draining soils, struggling a bit in overly wet or dry conditions. This magnolia thrives in nutrient-rich soil that can be either acidic or alkaline. Enrich the planting site with ample organic material and continue to use it as mulch, ensuring it doesn't touch the trunk or leaves.

Water 2-3 times a week for the first growing season. Afterward, provide supplemental watering 1-2 times a week when rainfall is low.

Fertilize yearly in spring with balanced, acidic plant fertilizer. For more rapid growth, reapply fertilizer every few months during the growing season.

Care & Use

Getting Started: Understanding Your New Plant

Review your plant's information on our website or the tag that comes with it. Be mindful of sunlight preferences, soil type, and spacing needs.

Our plants are adaptable but grow best in the correct USDA Zones. Click here to learn more about your USDA Zone.

Planting Instructions

Dig a Hole

First, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This makes it easier for the root system to spread out quickly. Dig the hole deep enough that your plant will sit level with or slightly above the ground around it.

Amend Your Soil

Mix your native soil with rich gardening soil to provide extra nutrients and support plant growth. If your soil is clay-heavy, we recommend mixing your native clay soil with equal parts of Pine Bark mulch to improve drainage and the overall breathability of your soil.

Place Your Plant

Examine the roots. If they appear tightly bound, gently coax them apart; this ensures they can spread into the new soil. Place your plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is even with the surrounding soil—Backfill around it with the amended soil mixture. The roots need access to oxygen for your plant to thrive, so do not cover the rootball; place soil around it.

Mulch Your Plants

Top the soil beneath your plant with 3-4 inches of mulch to help it retain moisture. Be careful not to cover the rootball - your new plants roots need access to oxygen.

Water Your Plant

Soak the plant with a hose afterward to hydrate the plant, as well as get the soil and mulch situated. Develop a regular watering schedule based on your plant's needs and local weather patterns. Remember, over watering is just as, if not more, harmful than under watering.

Spacing Recommendations

Stellar Ruby Magnolia (Banana Shrub) Spacing Recommendations

Plant your Stellar Ruby Magnolia 3-4 feet apart for a seamless planting, Otherwise, space them 5-7+ feet apart for gaps between plants.

  • Scientific Name
    Magnolia hybrid 'Stellar Ruby' PPAF
  • Hardiness Zone
    7, 8, 9
  • Sun Exposure
    Part Sun to Part Shade
  • Evergreen or Deciduous
    Evergreen
  • Features
    Aromatic, Deer Resistant, Disease Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Reblooming
  • Feature Color
    Green, Pink, Red
  • Uses
    Foundation Planting, Hedge, Mass Planting, Mixed Garden Bed, Woodland Garden
  • Water Needs
    Medium
  • Bloom Season
    Spring, Fall

Growing Zones : 7, 8, and 9

Map of USDA Zones 7-9
Southern Living Plant Collection Nandinas planted in a container with heucherella in front of a fireplace

Southern Living Plants

A collection of shrubs, trees, and perennials selected by plant experts to thrive in the heat of the South. Find traditional varieties like camellias mixed with new landscape favorites like agapanthus. These varieties have been bred to tackle landscape challenges specific to the region.

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Deep pink flower with yellow center in front of glossy green leaves with red fringes on the Stellar Ruby Magnolia for sale on plants by mail
Southern Living Plant Collection

Stellar Ruby Magnolia (Banana Shrub)

From $19.98

With its pinkish to ruby red, star shaped blooms and sweet banana fragrance the Steller Ruby™ Magnolia shrub, also known as the Banana Shrub, makes for a beautiful addition to any suitable landscape. This is an evergreen variety of magnolia that grows at a moderate pace and quickly stretches to heights between 10 and 12 feet, eventually maturing to 15 feet or greater! This new variety of banana bush, unlike older varieties, will bloom in their early stages of growth and not only when they are mature so you will be able to enjoy the appearance and fragrance much earlier than in the past.

During spring, summer, and early fall, it showcases vibrant clusters of ruby red blossoms accented with yellow centers that emit a fragrance that is loved by many! The spring bloom is very dense and will continue through the summer and into the early fall before only the leaves remain and become the center of attention. The leaves are tough and oval shaped, bearing resemblance to the larger leaves of its kin, the southern magnolia. The leaves of the Stellar ruby measure between 4 and 6 inches in length and 3 inches in width.

Not overpowering and not faint the Stellar Ruby fragrance is often said to be reminiscent of both bananas and pears which is certainly a unique element in our opinion!

Stellar Ruby Magnolia (Banana Shrub) Care

The Stellar Ruby Magnolia boasts a greater cold resistance versus other, older magnolia variants and is suitable for USDA zones 7-9. In the chillier regions of zone 7, it's recommended to plant it in a protected spot, such as near the walls of a home.

Stellar Ruby Magnolia Sunlight Requirements

The Stellar Ruby Magnolia is versatile in its light requirements, flourishing in everything from part sun to part shade. Flowering maybe reduced in shady conditions, but these conditions will not harm the plant.

The Steller Ruby prefers moist yet well-draining soils, struggling a bit in overly wet or dry conditions. This magnolia thrives in nutrient-rich soil that can be either acidic or alkaline. Enrich the planting site with ample organic material and continue to use it as mulch, ensuring it doesn't touch the trunk or leaves.

Water 2-3 times a week for the first growing season. Afterward, provide supplemental watering 1-2 times a week when rainfall is low.

Fertilize yearly in spring with balanced, acidic plant fertilizer. For more rapid growth, reapply fertilizer every few months during the growing season.

Pot size

  • 2.5 Quart
  • 2 Gallon
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