About
A large deciduous tree with broad, obovate leaves and perfumed, cup-shaped flowers opening in late spring and early summer from pink buds and retaining some pink tints on the outside of each tepal.
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, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. Further magnolia cultivation advice
PruningMagnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
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