About

Deciduous, bushy, upright large shrub or small tree to about 6m in height, with mid-green, oval-shaped leaves, narrower at the bases. Flowers in early spring and flowers may be damaged by frost in exposed areas. Large, elongated, narrow tepaled flowers range from dark red to light pink.

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, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frost may damage the flower buds. For more information see magnolia cultivation
PruningMinimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
PropagationPropagate by 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