Magnolia kobus
northern Japanese magnolia
M. kobus is a slender deciduous tree to 10m tall, with obovate leaves to 15cm long, and fragrant white flowers to 10cm wide, each with six petals, in spring, followed by pink fruits splitting to reveal scarlet seeds
Synonyms
Magnolia kobus var. borealisMagnolia praecocissima
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Pink | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan, Korea
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. Further magnolia cultivation advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf
Pests
May be damaged by horse chestnut scale, capsid bug and snails
Diseases
May be affected by coral spot, grey mould, honey fungus, a virus, fungal leaf spot or iron deficiency and lime-induced chlorosis
Get involved
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