About
Small, semi-evergreen tree or large shrub with very long, oval, leathery dark green leaves, glaucous beneath. Large, bowl-shaped, multi-petalled, white flowers, to 20cm across, with about 30 tepals, formed in the autumn, are very scented and appear in late 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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen, Evergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or partial shade with shelter from cold winds. Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. See magnolia cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 9. Minimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early autumn or layering in early spring
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