What is Michelia?

Michelia is a genus of aromatic trees and shrubs found in the subtropics and tropics of Southeast Asia. One of the most famous representatives of this genus is M. champaca, the plant behind the distinctive scent of “Joy,” a famous perfume that has been produced since the 1930s. People can enjoy the aroma of Michelia species in their own gardens if they live between United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) zones eight and 11, or if they have a greenhouse they can use for cultivation.

Members of this genus are very frost sensitive, like many members of their larger family, the magnolias. They are evergreen and grow to varying heights, depending on the species. With around 50 species, there is a fair amount of variation in size and shape. The flowers are usually white, but may be tinged with red and purple. In the case of M. figo, the flowers are creamy, edged in red, and smell very strongly of bananas.

Some Michelia species are used for timber in their native Asia. Cut flowers from these plants are also very popular. The flowers can be long lasting when they are handled gently, and they will continue to exude their distinctive scent until they start to dry up. They are also grown ornamentally, often in locations near windows, porches, and decks so people can smell the plants easily.

Gardeners interested in cultivating a Michelia species may be able to obtain a plant from a nursery or through a catalog. Some cultivars are only available through grafts and may be difficult to obtain. The plants require a fully sunny to partly shady area of the garden with rich, moist soil worked with some organic material. Like other plants from the tropics, Michelia does not like to dry out, and it can benefit from some spritzing to increase humidity if the climate is slightly dry.

Some people have success growing these plants in cooler climates, by positioning them in a sheltered area of the garden and covering them during frosts for protection. It is also possible to grow the plants in containers, wheeling them in and out of a house or greenhouse with the change of the seasons. While Michelia can be pruned for shaping, most species prefer to be left alone and will naturally hold their shape as they grow. Gardeners should be careful when pruning or handling the plants, as the branches are usually very fragile and there is a risk of breakage.