Overview
Magnolia grandiflora is a bushy shrubs in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Magnolia grandiflora grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and mediterranean climate plants. It is native to SE USA.
About
Magnolia grandiflora is a substantial evergreen tree that typically reaches heights of 12 meters or more. It features glossy, dark green leaves that are leathery and oblong-elliptic in shape, often with a rusty-brown underside. In late summer and autumn, this tree produces highly fragrant, cup-shaped flowers that can measure up to 25 centimeters in diameter.
About the genus
Magnolia consists of trees or shrubs that can either be deciduous or evergreen. They produce large, prominent flowers that are often fragrant and typically bloom before the leaves emerge. After flowering, many species develop cone-like fruits that add visual interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Magnolia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Magnolia grandiflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- SE USA
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia grandiflora
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist, well-drained preferably neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates dry, alkaline soil. See magnolia cultivation advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 9 or pruning group 13 if wall-trained. See magnolia pruning
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early autumn or layering in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Magnolia grandiflora?
Grow in moist, well-drained preferably neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates dry, alkaline soil. See magnolia cultivation advice.
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia grandiflora?
Magnolia grandiflora prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia grandiflora need?
Magnolia grandiflora is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Magnolia grandiflora?
Pruning group 9 or pruning group 13 if wall-trained. See magnolia pruning.
How big does Magnolia grandiflora grow?
Magnolia grandiflora reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Magnolia grandiflora hardy in the UK?
Magnolia grandiflora has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Magnolia grandiflora?
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early autumn or layering in early spring.