Overview
Magnolia kobus is a bushy, spreading branched, columnar upright tree in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 12.0 m tall. Magnolia kobus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and wall side borders. It is native to Japan and Korea.
About
Magnolia kobus, known as mokryeon, kobus magnolia, or kobushi magnolia, is a species of Magnolia native to Japan and Korea and occasionally cultivated in temperate areas. It is a deciduous, small to tall tree which has a slow rate of growth but can reach 8–15 m (25–50 ft) in height and up to 10 m (35 ft) in spread.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Magnolia kobus
About the genus
Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 to 340 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the family Magnoliaceae. The natural range of Magnolia species is disjunct, with a main center in east, south and southeast Asia and a secondary center in South America, Central America, the West Indies, and some species in eastern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Magnolia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Magnolia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Magnolia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Magnolia kobus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 12.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wall side borders
- Native to
- Japan, Korea
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia kobus
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates full sun to partial shade; benefits from shelter from strong winds; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required; prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood.
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Horse chestnut scale, Capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- Coral spot, Phytophthora, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Magnolia kobus?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates full sun to partial shade; benefits from shelter from strong winds; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia kobus?
Magnolia kobus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia kobus need?
Magnolia kobus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Magnolia kobus?
Minimal pruning required; prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood.
How big does Magnolia kobus grow?
Magnolia kobus reaches a height of 12.0 m.
Is Magnolia kobus hardy in the UK?
Magnolia kobus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Magnolia kobus?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)

- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'Campbell's Magnolia

- Magnolia macrophylla 'Sara Gladney'Bigleaf Magnolia

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