About
A large, deciduous shrub or spreading, small tree to 8m tall, the dark green leaves are up to 30cm long and 15cm wide, and the flowers, up to 15cm across, appear in late spring and early into midsummer. Ornamental fruits turn pink in autumn. These are strongly scented, bowl-shaped, with 10-15 white petals and a large boss of deep red stamens in the centre.
About the genus
Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade with shelter from cold winds. Will grow in moist alkaline soils. Late frost may damage the flower buds. For more information see magnolia cultivation advice
PruningMagnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to 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