Overview
Michelia compacta is a plant with a bushy, columnar upright habit in the genus Michelia, part of the Magnoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Michelia compacta 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 compacta is a bushy, columnar upright evergreen shrub belonging to the Magnoliaceae family. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered, south- or west-facing aspect. This cultivar prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for architectural planting, city and courtyard gardens, as well as cottage and informal garden settings. Best planted in well-drained soil with watering during establishment, it can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or layering and is of 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 compacta 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 compacta
- 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 compacta?
Michelia compacta prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Michelia compacta need?
Michelia compacta grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Michelia compacta hardy in the UK?
Michelia compacta 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 compacta?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering.