About
Magnolia acuminata, the cucumber tree, is a large, deciduous tree eventually reaching 25 m, conical when young and spreading with age. Ovate, mid-green leaves to 25 cm are slightly downy beneath. Small, pale-green to yellowish flowers with a metallic blue sheen bloom in late spring and early summer, and the young fruits � resembling small cucumbers � give this magnolia its common name. An impressive tree for a large garden or parkland.
About the genus
Magnolia are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with large, showy and often fragrant flowers that frequently open before the leaves emerge, and sometimes followed by colourful, cone-like fruiting heads. Among the most spectacular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native toCanada, USA
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frost may damage the flower buds. For more information see magnolia cultivation
PruningPruning Group 1. See magnolia pruning
PropagationPropagate by seed (tree/shrub) or propagate by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot