Overview
Michelia baillonii is a plant with a bushy, columnar upright habit in the genus Michelia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Michelia baillonii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants and wall side borders.
About
Michelia baillonii is a bushy, columnar upright evergreen shrub belonging to the Magnoliaceae family. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, ideally in sheltered, south- or west-facing positions. Preferring fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH, it requires moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H4, this cultivar is suitable for architectural planting, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, Mediterranean climates, and wall side borders. It is best propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or layering, with interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Michelia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Michelia baillonii size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Michelia baillonii
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Horse chestnut scale, Capsid bug
- Disease resistance
- Coral spot, Phytophthora, Grey moulds, Honey fungus, Virus, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Michelia baillonii?
Michelia baillonii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Michelia baillonii need?
Michelia baillonii grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Michelia baillonii hardy in the UK?
Michelia baillonii has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Michelia baillonii?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering.