About
Magnolia kobus, the northern Japanese magnolia, is a broadly conical, deciduous tree to 10 m with mid-green leaves to 15 cm and scented, goblet- to saucer-shaped, white flowers to 10 cm across in mid-spring, followed by pink fruits splitting to reveal scarlet seeds. A beautiful specimen tree for a sheltered, sunny garden.
About the genus
Magnolia are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs producing large, often fragrant, showy flowers � sometimes before the leaves emerge � in shades of white, pink, red or purple, sometimes followed by ornamental, cone-like fruiting clusters.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native toJapan, Korea
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningMinimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn and spring, softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn
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