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Magnolia salicifolia

willow-leaved magnolia

Broadly conical, deciduous tree to 10m in height, with narrow, willow-like, pale green leaves 10cm long, whitish beneath, and lemon-scented when bruised. Fragrant star-shaped, white flowers to 10cm across, with 6 narrow spreading tepals, opening before the leaves in mid-spring

Other common names
anise magnolia
willow-leaf magnolia
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. See further magnolia cultivation advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, by softwood or greenwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or by semi-hardwood cuttings from late summer to autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn

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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