Whenever you have a question, UF at solutionsforyourlife.com is the best place to start.
Here you will find Florida information for Florida conditions and not something from a company
trying to sell you their products or incompatible info from another state.
This link says the Banana shrub is related to the Magnolia.

Here is a link that might be useful: Banana Shrub

I have the Banana shrub. I have it in part sun, I don't think it really ever wants to be in full sun, it is evergreen, it flowers mostly in the spring/ summer. Mine is pretty drought tolerant in that it doesn't mind being dry but blooms better when it has water. I do like the fragrance of the flowers but it's not super potent.

bought two banana shrubs and one wintermint yesterday. dug through the banana bush, found one small bloom on one of the plants. smells like banana ice cream. wintermint in full bloom, but haven't been able to find it on line. looks alot like walters viburnum, but leaves have a heavy mint smell.

The banana shrub is one of mine and dh's favorites. I had them in Louisiana and loved them. They are nice to have around a patio or seating area. They smell like strong bananas and vanilla in the afternoons. I also have mine in morning sun, dappled afternoon shade. They will bloom better if they get at least a little bit of sun.
I had to order mine online because I couldn't find them when I moved here. I don't know why because they are like camellias and gardenias in care/needs and the camellias do well here and are sold. They like acidic very well drained soil. Mine are in pots now till they are bigger but will go into the ground probably next year. Plant the rootball a little above the ground level and mulch it very well. I give mine a little ironite at least once a year.

There is a variety called michelia figo 'skinneriana', that is an improved variety and flowers a little better. They are easy to start from cuttings as well.

Where did you purchase the Wintermint plant? I have been looking for a while. I am not far from Deland.

Liner Source nursery in Eustis, Fl had them........

(sorry - oops post!)

This post was edited by irma_stpete_home on Tue, Jan 6, 15 at 8:44

Try googling Calamintha georgiana instead of "wintermint". I have two of these and they are great plants! To propagate just tuck a branch under the mulch and they root readily. Another name for them is Georgia Basil.

Susan