Magnolia acuminata 'Koban Dori'

RHS Plant Profile
cucumber tree 'Koban Dori'
cucumber tree 'Koban Dori' RHS 1999
Trees

Deciduous small tree about 6m tall and 4m wide, with elliptic, dark green leaves, paler beneath, to 25cm long, and upright, cup-shaped, light yellow flowers 7.5-9cm long opening with the leaves in mid to late spring, red or brown fruit follow; Japanese introduction

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf. 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