Magnolia grandiflora
Southern magnolia, Bull bay, Laurel magnolia
- Height × spread
- 8m × 4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is the magnolia one dreams of having outside one's bedroom window. Often seen growing against a wall, with flowers held some 8m (25ft) above the ground, the southern magnolia has beautiful large, dark green, glossy leaves generally with a dense coat of rust coloured hairs on their underside. The flowers last only a few days but make enormous deep ivory cups, creamy stamened within and, when they open regularly, they are perfection! They carry a fragrance that has been variously likened to lemons, jasmine, lily of the valley, violet and apricot! Out of flower, this handsome plant is still very pleasing.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, lemon-orange
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 4m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Architectural, Sensory garden (tactile)
- Walls
- East, South, West facing
- Deer
- Protect from deer when young if in vulnerable area
- Hazards
- No
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 in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Planting & general
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.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Magnolia
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Magnolia 'Susan'
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
Southern magnolia, Bull bay, Laurel magnolia, Large flowered magnolia, Evergreen magnolia
Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'
Mu-lan, Woody orchid, Purple flowered magnolia, Lily magnolia
Magnolia stellata
Star magnolia
Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'
Star magnolia
Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel'
Loebner magnolia