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Magnolia sieboldii 'Colossus'
  • RHS AGM

magnolia 'Colossus'

A large, deciduous shrub or spreading, small tree to 8m tall, the dark green leaves are up to 30cm long and 15cm wide, and the flowers, up to 15cm across, appear in late spring and early into midsummer. These are strongly scented, bowl-shaped, with 10-15 white petals and a large boss of deep red stamens in the centre. Ornamental fruits turn pink in autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red White Green
Summer Red White Green
Autumn Green Red Pink
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade with shelter from cold winds. Will grow in moist alkaline soils. Late frost may damage the flower buds. For more information see magnolia cultivation advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf

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

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