Banana Shrub is a type of Magnolia tree that grows large flowers that smell even sweeter than bananas. As you walk by a flower in bloom, you may get a craving for banana candy; it's that sweet. The flowers' creamy yellow petals are edged with maroon and typically grow to a whopping 1.5 inches in diameter. Banana Shrubs are an evergreen shrub, so they can easily be maintained as container plants or planted in the landscape. This plant was formerly classified as Michelia figo but is now classified in the Magnolia family--its true nature.