Plant of the Month: March

Magnolia sprengeri Common name: Magnolia Family: Magnoliaceae Vital statistics Height and spread: 15m high by 10m wide (50ft by 30ft) Form: Deciduous tree Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, preferably acid to neutral soil. Aspect: Sun or partial shade. Shelter from strong winds Hardiness: Hardy throughout the British Isles.

Magnolia sprengeri@ Hyde Hall

Magnolia sprengeri has formed quite a large tree at Hyde Hall and can be found in the Woodland Garden amongst other Magnolias and early flowering shrubs such as camellias and rhododendrons. As a mature specimen, its pink flowers can be seen rising above the canopy and look particularly good as the spring sun shines on them.

Magnolia

There are around 125 species of magnolia. They are evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees from woodlands, in scrub and along riverbanks. They are found mainly in East and South East Asia, and North and South America.

Magnolias are grown for their goblet or star-shaped flowers. These are often showy and fragrant, and come in colours from creamy-green through to pink and purple. The flowers are some of the largest borne by any tree of shrub. Magnolias are also valued for their longevity.

Magnolia was named after Pierre Magnol (1638-1715). He was a Professor of Botany and Director of Montpellier Botanic Gardens in France, and the first person to divide plants into "families".

Magnolias are among the most ancient of flowering plants. Fossil remains of flowers have been found in Tertiary period rock.

Asiatic and American species were often used in local herbal medicines for their aromatic, stimulant and tonic virtues. In China, M. denudata has been in cultivation for 1400 years, and has medical and religious significance. It is found in temple gardens and is grown for being symbolic of candour, its purity and feminine (Yin) principle.

Magnolia sprengeri

Magnolia sprengeri is a spreading deciduous tree with large dark green leaves, and is grown for its fragrant, cup-shaped flowers. These are usually white to pink, 15cm (6in) across and have 12-15 petals. It flowers in mid-spring, before the leaves emerge.

Magnolia sprengeri var. diva has rich deep pink flowers, streaked with white and pink inside.

Other cultivars include 'Lanhydrock' and 'Wakehurst' which has a dark purple-pink colour on the outside, while the inside is a rich pink.

Cultivation

Grow in moist, well-drained, humus-rich, preferably acid to neutral soil in sun or partial shade, with shelter from strong winds.

Mulch with leaf mould and manure in early spring, especially on drier soils.

Light pruning should be done in early spring when the plant is still dormant, to remove dead or damaged branches, or misplaced shoots.

Magnolias are prone to honey fungus, coral spot and scale insects.

Propagation

Sow seed of species in a seedbed in autumn. Stratified seeds germinate freely.

Root greenwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Plants can also be grafted in winter or layered in spring.