Magnolia kobus 'Janaki Ammal'
A mid-sized deciduous tree, to around 5m high in 10 years, and up to 10m high at maturity. It has an upright then spreading habit, and long, slightly wavy glossy green leaves. Mature trees produce masses of large, cup-shaped flowers as the leaves emerge in spring, followed by clusters of bright red seeds in autumn. This cultivar was named after a pioneering female botanist
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, though this species will tolerate slightly alkaline soils as long as they are not too dry. Position 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
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1. 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
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.