Magnolia floribunda

Synonyms

Magnolia floribunda var. tonkinensis
Michelia floribunda

Trees Shrubs

Large, majestic tree reaching over 20m in height, with leathery, ovate dark green leaves, grey-green beneath and silky hairy when young. Fragrant white flowers with long narrow tepals to 3.5cm long and yellow stamens, flower between spring and summer; for very mild locations only

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
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
S China to N Indo-China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Flowers may be damaged by late frosts. Suited to south-west and inner city locations that remain frost-free for most of winter. See magnolia cultivation for further 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

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 9 or Pruning group 13 if wall-trained. See magnolia pruning for further advice

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