About
Slowly forms a large, deciduous shrub, producing aromatic, waterlily-shaped flowers in early to mid spring. These are white often with pink staining at the base of the petals.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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 flowers. Will grow in alkaline soil that is moisture retentive. Further magnolia cultivation advice
PruningMagnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and 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