🌸 Stellar Ruby Banana Shrub – 3 Gallon

🌸 Stellar Ruby Banana Shrub – 3 Gallon

Graceful Southern charm with a sweet, nostalgic fragrance.

Bring a bit of old-fashioned beauty and heartfelt joy to your garden with the Stellar Ruby Banana Shrub—a lovely flowering evergreen cherished for its rich history, vibrant blooms, and delightful fragrance. Also known as Michelia figo 'Stellar Ruby', this Southern classic offers a warm welcome to any outdoor space and makes a wonderful addition to family-friendly gardens.

🌿 A Bit of History

Banana shrubs have graced Southern gardens for generations, originally hailing from China but becoming a beloved staple in the Southeastern U.S. for their glossy green leaves and sweet, banana-like scent. The ‘Stellar Ruby’ variety is a modern standout—bringing deeper, richer flower color and compact growth to this treasured plant.

🌺 The Meaning Behind the Bloom

The ruby-red blooms of this banana shrub are more than just pretty—they symbolize love, warmth, and heartfelt hospitality, making them a perfect expression of Southern grace and community. Their deep color and sweet scent can stir fond memories of home, gatherings, and the beauty of slowing down to enjoy nature’s gifts.

☀️ Best Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade

• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

• Zones: USDA 7–10

• Size: Grows to about 4–6 ft tall and wide

• Growth: Compact and rounded, perfect for borders or near patios

Whether you're planting it in a welcoming entryway bed or alongside your favorite garden path, the Stellar Ruby Banana Shrub thrives where it can receive morning sun and a bit of afternoon shade—especially during hot Southern summers.

🌱 Care Instructions

• Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant.

• Mulch: Apply mulch to help retain moisture and protect roots.

• Prune: Light pruning in early spring helps shape the shrub and encourages fuller growth.

• Fertilize: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy blooms.

Like any beloved part of a garden, this plant responds best to a little TLC and regular check-ins—just like family.

🌼 Beautiful Plant Companions

To create a welcoming, layered garden that feels both peaceful and vibrant, consider pairing your Stellar Ruby Banana Shrub with:

• Azaleas – Their similar bloom times and varied colors make for a dazzling spring show.

• Gardenias – Another fragrant Southern favorite with complementary evergreen foliage.

• Hydrangeas – Add soft texture and cottage charm.

• Boxwood – For tidy structure and year-round greenery.

At Wright’s Market, we believe every plant tells a story and builds a legacy of love, care, and connection. The Stellar Ruby Banana Shrub is a beautiful way to start—or continue—that tradition in your own backyard. Let it bring sweet fragrance, rich color, and a touch of Southern hospitality to your home.