About
Deciduous tree, to around 2m high in 10 years, and up to 5m high at maturity. It has a shrubby habit and is often grown as a multi-stem plant, with broadly oval, glossy green leaves. Masses of large, scented, star-shaped white flowers, flushed with pink in the base and each with up to 25 petals, are produced before the leaves in spring.
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 typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, though this cultivar will also tolerate chalk as long as it is not too dry. Position in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. See magnolia cultivation for more advice
PruningMinimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and capsid bug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, virus diseases or fungal leaf spot