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Magnolia grandiflora

evergreen magnolia

A large, rounded evergreen tree about about 12m tall or more with glossy dark green, leathery, oblong-elliptic leaves, often rusty-brown beneath, and highly fragrant, cup-shaped, cream flowers to 25cm across in late summer and autumn

Other common names
bull bay
bullbay
see moregreat laurel-leaved magnolia
large-flowered magnolia
laurel magnolia
loblolly magnolia
southern magnolia
Synonyms
Magnolia obovata (W.T. Aiton) Link
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream White Green
Autumn Cream White Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
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
SE USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, well-drained preferably neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates dry, alkaline soil. See magnolia cultivation advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early autumn or layering in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 9 or pruning group 13 if wall-trained. 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.