About
A deciduous shrub or small tree, to around 5m high, with a spreading habit and broadly oval green leaves. Flowers are aromatic and cup shaped, opening pink and fading to creamy white, and are produced before the leaves in spring.
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 hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationThrives 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. See magnolia cultivation for more advice
PruningMinimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and capsid bug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, virus diseases or fungal leaf spot