How to Grow Magnolias – Exotic Spring Flowering Shrubs or Trees

Magnolia plants have wonderfully exotic flowers – waxy, sometimes fragrant cups or stars in white, all shades of pink and even purple, appearing in profusion in April and May – yet they are generally hardy and quite easy to grow. The largest, magnolia grandiflora may reach as much as 90 feet, while the smallest, magnolia stellata is a small tree or shrub suitable for quite small gardens.

Magnolia Species and Varieties

The three most widely grown magnolias are:

• Magnolia Stellata. Originating in Japan, Magnolia Stellata, sometimes known as the Star Magnolia, is a small deciduous bush or tree reaching a maximum of 15-20 feet in maturity. It produces abundant star shaped white or pink flowers in April and May.
• Magnolia Soulangeana. This is a deciduous hybrid magnolia variety, grown as a bush or small tree,with many different cultivars, The largest grow to a height of 20-25 feet, but smaller varieties may reach only 15 feet at the maximum. Profuse cups of white, pink or purple flower, as much as 8-12 inches across in some varieties, and sometimes fragrant, appear in April and May.
• Magnolia Grandiflora. Originating in the southern States of the USA, Magnolia Grandiflora is a medium to large evergreen flowering tree, which may grow as much as 90 feet high in warm climates. However, it is less vigorous in colder areas, and dwarf varieties have been developed which grow to only 12-15 feet. It is evergreen, with large glossy leaves and profuse cups of white flower, as up to12 inches across and often lemon scented, which appear in April and May. More about magnolia grandiflora.

Other popular magnolias include Magnolia sieboldii and Magnolia salicifolia.

Growing Magnolias

Magnolias will grow happily in sun or part shade and are generally quite hardy in the United Kingdom. However, magnolia flowers may be damaged by wind burn, and they are best planted in a position sheltered from cold winds.

They prefer a moist but well drained and slightly acid soil, but will tolerate neutral or slightly alkaline conditions. Magnolia soulangeana is the most tolerant of an alkaline soil.

Mix a generous ration of peat or ericaceous compost into the planting soil and fork deeply into the planting hole. Water in well after planting, and keep moist but never waterlogged until the plant is established.

Feed and mulch annually in early spring with an ericaceous plant feed, and peat, leaf mould or ericaceous compost.

Pruning Magnolias

No pruning is normally needed, but prune after flowering to tidy or restrict growth.

Propagation

Most magnolia varieties can be grown from seed, but seed grown magnolia plants will take some years to come to flower.

Magnolia Stellata and the smaller cultivars may be propagated from cuttings. Grafting is more successful for most varieties and grafted plants flower more quickly, but requires some expertise.

Other Spring Flowering Shrubs

Other Spring flowering shrubs suitable for small gardens include forsythia, azaleas and camellias