Stellar Ruby Magnolia (Banana Shrub)

The Stellar Ruby™ Magnolia is more than a shrub — it’s a year-round showpiece that transforms the garden with color, fragrance, and charm. Known also as the Banana Shrub, this evergreen magnolia fills the landscape with clusters of pinkish to ruby-red, star-shaped blooms that release a sweet, fruity perfume reminiscent of bananas and pears. The scent is both nostalgic and uplifting — just strong enough to catch on a summer breeze without ever feeling overwhelming.

Unlike older banana shrub varieties, Stellar Ruby begins to bloom early in its life, rewarding gardeners with its signature flowers even while it’s still young. From spring through early fall, its vibrant ruby blossoms with golden centers emerge in waves, creating a stunning contrast against the plant’s glossy, leathery foliage. Each leaf — deep green, oval, and distinctly magnolia-like — adds texture and elegance long after the blooms fade.

Growing at a moderate pace, Stellar Ruby™ reaches 10 to 12 feet tall in just a few years, eventually maturing around 15 feet or more. Its dense, upright habit makes it perfect for use as a fragrant privacy screen, a foundation anchor, or a standalone statement shrub near patios and outdoor living spaces where its perfume can be enjoyed up close. In any setting, this magnolia lends an air of Southern refinement and year-round structure — the kind of plant that elevates your garden from ordinary to unforgettable.