Magnolia kobus
northern Japanese magnolia
Broadly conical, deciduous tree to 10m tall, with mid-green leaves to 15cm long, and fragrant, goblet to saucere-shaped, white flowers to 10cm wide, in mid-spring, followed by pink fruits splitting to reveal scarlet seeds
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Pink | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Magnolia can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, with large, showy, often fragrant flowers, often opening before the leaves, and sometimes followed by colourful cone-like fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan, Korea
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, though this species will tolerate slightly alkaline soils as long as they are not too dry. Position in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. See magnolia cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug
Diseases
May be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot
Get involved
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