Magnolia
Also known as Michelia
- Height × spread
- 1.2m – 35m × 1m – 12m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally all year, largest selection in Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Spectacular flowering trees and shrubs bearing huge blooms often on bare branches, creating a truly exotic look in spring, summer and autumn. Mainly pink or white, the flowers are shaped like goblets or bowls. Some are evergreen, some are fragrant. There are large trees, up to 20m tall. But there are plenty in the 2-3m range, the perfect centrepiece for a Japanese styled border.
- Flower colour
- Green, Pink, Purple, Red, Rose, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Grey
- Fruit colour
- Green, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Column, Cone, Cube, Dome, Fan, Oval, Round
- Height
- 1.2m – 35m
- Spread
- 1m – 12m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Small scale garden, Shady court, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Exotic garden, Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Screening, Structural, Coloured stems, Architectural
- 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 · 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.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Feed & mulch some rose varieties differently
To keep roses healthy and produce more flowers, feed during the growing season before and after flowering. Roses in containers should be fed more often than those planted in the ground, every two weeks from mid spring to late summer. Adding a mulch around the base of a rose will trap moisture and enrich the soil as it biodegrades.
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Planting
Prune some varieties
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for pruning. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for pruning guidance.
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
Magnolia 'George Henry Kern'
Magnolia 'Susan'
Magnolia grandiflora
Southern magnolia, Bull bay, Laurel magnolia
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