Overview
Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) is a columnar upright, bushy trees in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural.
About
Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) is a deciduous magnolia cultivar with a columnar, upright habit and well-branched growth suited to architectural use. It flowers from March to June. Best placed in a sheltered, south- or west-facing position in moist but well-drained clay, loam or sandy soils with neutral to acid pH. It is rated H6, very hardy in much of the UK.
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
In the garden
Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) is a cultivated magnolia within the family Magnoliaceae, carrying a narrow, columnar upright form with dense branching that suits formal or architectural planting. As a deciduous tree, its principal season of interest is the spring flowering period, which occurs from March to June. Plant in full sun or partial shade on a sheltered south- or west-facing site to reduce late-frost damage to emerging buds. It tolerates clay, loam and sand, provided the soil remains moist but well drained, and prefers neutral to acid pH. Aim to avoid waterlogged positions; a layer of mulch will help retain even moisture and protect young roots. The cultivar is H6, meaning it is very hardy across much of the UK, but siting where frost is less severe will protect its early flowers. Use Magnolia Watermelon as an architectural specimen where a vertical accent is required, or as a single-stem focal point at the end of a drive or in a courtyard. Its upright habit makes it appropriate for narrower garden plots where a spreading magnolia would be too large. Expect the main display between March and June, when the tree provides its defining seasonal interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Magnolia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects and capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, virus diseases or fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)?
Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) need?
Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) hardy in the UK?
Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR) 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 Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'Campbell's Magnolia
- Magnolia macrophylla 'Sara Gladney'Bigleaf Magnolia
