I have a banana shrub. My grandmother had a bush that looks like my banana shrub but the leaves were shiny green, and it was a full and tall shrub. The banana shrub, Michelia figo , is an evergreen shrub that will mature to 10 to 15 feet and 5 to 6 feet wide if not pruned. It prefers sun or partial sun, and a moist, acidic, sandy loam enriched with organic matter. Many I've seen have yellowish foliage because the soil is too alkaline.
Good drainage is important.
The foliage is a shiny medium to dark green. I would not be surprised if some call the banana shrub sweet magnolia. It is a rather slow grower, so perhaps yours will reach the stature of your grandmother's someday. Some time ago, you wrote about composting leaves in plastic bags. I would appreciate it if you would publish it again.