About
A deciduous shrub or tree, to around 6m high, with oval-shaped green leaves. Early flowering, producing goblet-shaped, bright white flowers 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, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, 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 height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, 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