About
A hardy, compact and upright evergreen shrub to around 4m in height, with dark green glossy leaves. Masses of star-shaped, ruby-red, aromatic flowers appear in spring to early summer, with a second flush in late summer. Great for borders or pots and containers where space is limited.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationNot frost hardy, so will need to be grown under glass in almost all parts of the country. Use a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added bark, grow in full light with shade from hot sun and moderate to low humidity. See further magnolia cultivation advice
PruningPruning Group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in autumn, softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid-or late summer
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