Overview
Magnolia 'Spectrum' is a bushy, columnar upright, spreading branched deciduous shrub in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Magnolia 'Spectrum' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental garden plant, specimen tree and borders.
About
Magnolia 'Spectrum' is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its large, deep pink to purple flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge.
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, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Magnolia 'Spectrum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous shrub, small tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- ornamental garden plant, specimen tree, borders
- Fragrance
- mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia 'Spectrum'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered position away from strong winds; plant in humus-rich, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture.
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required; prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- Propagation
- propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or grafting
- 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 'Spectrum'?
Prefers sheltered position away from strong winds; plant in humus-rich, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia 'Spectrum'?
Magnolia 'Spectrum' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia 'Spectrum' need?
Magnolia 'Spectrum' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Magnolia 'Spectrum'?
Minimal pruning required; prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Is Magnolia 'Spectrum' hardy in the UK?
Magnolia 'Spectrum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Magnolia 'Spectrum'?
Propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or grafting.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)
- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'Campbell's Magnolia
- Magnolia macrophylla 'Sara Gladney'Bigleaf Magnolia
