Magnolia acuminata 'Seiju'

RHS Plant Profile
cucumber tree 'Seiju'
cucumber tree 'Seiju' visionspictures.com
Trees

A large deciduous tree, with a conical habit and large, mid-green, oval-shaped leaves, with pale, slightly downy undersides and pointed tips. Flowers are waxy blue-green on the outside, opening to yellow inner petals, and are produced after the leaves in spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
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
Columnar upright, 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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. See magnolia cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden

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 and capsid bug

Diseases

May be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, virus diseases or fungal leaf spot