Magnolia

Magnolias are often described as the aristocrats of the plant world, producing large, beautiful flowers, most of which have a delicate scent. They make spectacular specimen trees or do well in a woodland setting.

Recommended varieties

Magnolias come in a wide variety of sizes, from large trees to small shrubs. They can be semi-evergreen, evergreen or deciduous. Flower colours range from whites and yellows to pinks and purples.

Although magnolias are generally associated with March and April flowering, some species flower as late as September. They can be tricky to grow but the rewards are worth the effort.

Small magnolias for the garden:

Magnolia liliflora : fairly small deciduous bushy shrub, with dark leaves and purplish white flowers in May. Will grow to about 3m (10ft).
M. liliflora 'Nigra' : attractive liliflora with deep-purple flowers.
M. stellata : the star magnolia is ideal for small gardens with alkaline soil. It's slow growing and produces white star-shaped flowers from March to April.

Medium to large deciduous magnolias:

M. denudata : produces cup-shaped white flowers with excellent fragrance in mid- to late spring, prior to the leaves appearing.
M. kobus : large tree reaching 15m (50ft), with fragrant white flowers in mid-spring.
M. loebneri 'Leonard Messell': lilac-pink petals appear in May and June.
M. loebneri 'Merrill': produces fragrant white flowers in mid-May, before dark-green oblong leaves appear.
M. sieboldii : deciduous medium-size tree with arching, spreading form. White flowers with golden anthers appear from late spring to late summer.
M. soulangeana 'Lennei': deciduous shrub with large, tulip-shaped deep-purple flowers and excellent fragrance.
M. wilsonii : hardy shrub producing white flowers and crimson stamens.

Evergreen varieties:

M. grandiflora : tree suited to large gardens as it grows up to 15m (50ft). The huge creamy-white dish-shaped flowers appear in August and September, but it may take up to 25 years to produce any blooms.
M. grandiflora 'Exmouth': produces large, creamy flowers from mid-spring through to early autumn. Takes around ten years to flower.

Growing tips

Soil and site preferences

All magnolias prefer fertile, well-drained soil. Most favour slightly acidic soil. Varieties suited to alkaline soil include M. stellata , M. kobus , M. sieboldii and M. wilsonii .

Most magnolias prefer full sun or partial shade.

Avoid planting in frost pockets, as this will damage the emerging buds, particularly the early-spring flowering types. Exposed, windy sites should also be avoided.

Planting

Magnolias should be planted in April.

Aftercare

Once established, magnolias are fairly low-maintenance.

Young trees benefit from a mulch each spring. However, make sure the material isn't in contact with the trunk, as this can cause disease.

Where to see them

National Collections of magnolias:

The Savill Garden
Windsor Great Park
Windsor
Berkshire SL4 2HT
Tel: 01753 860222
Website: (External) www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

C Williams
The Estate Office
Caerhays Castle
Gorran, St Austell
Cornwall PL26 6LY
Tel: 01872 501310
Website: (External) www.caerhays.co.uk

S Catchpole
Wentworth Castle Gardens
Lowe Lane
Stainborough, Barnsley
South Yorkshire S75 3ET
Tel: 01226 776040
Website: (External) www.wentworthcastle.org