Overview
Magnolia kobus is a bushy trees in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 8-12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Magnolia kobus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Japan and Korea.
About
Magnolia kobus is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 10 meters, featuring a broad conical shape. Its leaves are mid-green and can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. In mid-spring, this tree produces fragrant flowers that are goblet to saucer-shaped, measuring up to 10 centimeters across. After flowering, it develops pink fruits that split open to expose bright scarlet seeds.
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Magnolia kobus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Japan, Korea
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia kobus
- Cultivation
- Grow 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
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn
- 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 kobus?
Grow 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.
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia kobus?
Magnolia kobus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia kobus need?
Magnolia kobus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Magnolia kobus?
Minimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn.
How big does Magnolia kobus grow?
Magnolia kobus reaches a height of 8-12 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Magnolia kobus hardy in the UK?
Magnolia kobus has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Magnolia kobus?
Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn.