Overview
Magnolia zenii is a columnar upright, bushy trees in the genus Magnolia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Magnolia zenii 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 zenii is a deciduous tree cultivar within the Magnolia genus, known for its columnar upright and bushy habit. Like other magnolias, it produces large, prominent flowers that typically bloom before the leaves emerge, adding architectural interest in spring and summer. It thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils with a neutral to acidic pH, preferring full sun or partial shade and a sheltered position, ideally south- or west-facing. Hardy to UK zone H6, this cultivar is best grown in clay, loam, or sandy soils and benefits from protection against cold winds.
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
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 zenii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Magnolia zenii
- 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 zenii?
Magnolia zenii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Magnolia zenii need?
Magnolia zenii 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 zenii hardy in the UK?
Magnolia zenii 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 zenii?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
More in the Magnolia genus
- Magnolia Watermelon ('Mgwat2011b'PBR)

- Magnolia campbellii 'Ann Jenkins'Campbell's Magnolia

- Magnolia macrophylla 'Sara Gladney'Bigleaf Magnolia
