Magnolia acuminata
cucumber tree
Large tree, conical when young, spreading with age, up to 30m in height, with large, mid-green ovate leaves slightly downy on the underside. Small, pale green/yellow flowers with a metallic blue sheen bloom in late spring and early summer. The young fruits, when produced, resemble small cucumbers, which is how the tree got its common name
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, 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
- Canada, USA
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. Late frost may damage the flower buds. For more information see magnolia cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed (tree/shrub) or 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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning Group 1. See magnolia pruning
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.