About
Vigorous, conical then spreading, deciduous tree to 15m in height. Very large (30cm), white, cup-shaped flowers open from pale yellow buds in late winter and early spring, ahead of the large (25cm) oval, mid-green leaves.
About the genus
Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds and/or flowers. See magnolia cultivation
PruningMinimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
PropagationPropagate 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
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus and phytophthora root rot