Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'
Mu-lan, Woody orchid, Purple flowered magnolia, Lily magnolia
Also known as Magnolia x soulangeana 'Nigra'
- Height × spread
- 4m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Spring
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This magnolia is compact but quite wide-spreading. The plant has a dense habit and is often grown as a specimen. The leaves are dark-green and downy on their underside. The profusely borne flowers are slender upright cups, long petalled, dark-purple on the outside, creamy-white, stained purple, inside. They come from spring through to summer and are individually long-lasting. This is considered hardier than the species and there are plenty of buds to continue the show if the early blooms are caught by a late frost.
- Flower colour
- Purple, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Brown, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 4m
- Spread
- 3m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Deer
- Protect from deer when young if in vulnerable area
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.
Found in
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