Michelia gracipes

Michelia gracipes Details

Michelia gracipes is a handsome, evergreen tree grown for both its foliage and flowers. It grows as a small and shapely tree, carrying large and glossy, dark green leaves which are attractive in their own right. Velvet buds open during winter and spring to reveal showy and fragrant, cream-white flowers. It typically grows to 4 m tall and 3 m wide and can be trimmed as necessary. Best performance with this plant is achieved when it is planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site. It is tolerant of cool climates, moderate frost, and short periods of dry though will benefit from being protected while it is establishing. Michelia gracipes is commonly grown as a specimen, included in a mixed planting, clipped into a hedge, used in an avenue planting, added to a “white” garden, or used as a backdrop for smaller plants.