Overview
Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' is a bushy trees in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Magnolia liliiflora is a small tree native to southwest China, but cultivated for centuries elsewhere in China and also Japan. Variously known by many names, including Mulan magnolia, purple magnolia, red magnolia, lily magnolia, tulip magnolia and woody-orchid, it was first introduced to English-speaking countries from cultivated Japanese origins, and is thus also sometimes called Japanese magnolia, though it is not native to Japan.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Magnolia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple'
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Horse chestnut scale, Capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- Coral spot, Phytophthora, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus diseases, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple'?
Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' need?
Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' hardy in the UK?
Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Magnolia liliiflora 'Darkest Purple'?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia 'Antje Zandee'
- Magnolia 'Aurora'
- Magnolia 'Pink Delight'
- Magnolia 'Randy'
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)
- Magnolia biondii 'Charlie Looping'
- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'
- Magnolia coco
