About
Magnolia wilsonii, the Wilson magnolia, is a large, spreading deciduous shrub to 6 m with narrowly ovate, dark-green leaves to 18 cm, downy beneath. Nodding, cup-shaped, highly scented, pure-white flowers up to 10 cm across with 9 tepals and rich-crimson stamens are produced in late spring and early summer; cylindrical, pink fruiting clusters ripen in autumn. One of the most beautiful of all magnolias for a sheltered, woodland garden.
About the genus
Magnolia are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs producing large, often fragrant, showy flowers � sometimes before the leaves emerge � in shades of white, pink, red or purple, sometimes followed by ornamental, cone-like fruiting clusters.
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
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Will grow in moisture retentive alkaline soils.See further magnolia cultivation advice
PruningMinimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed, 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