Magnolia laevifolia

RHS Plant Profile

polished-leaved magnolia

Other common names

smooth-leaved magnolia

Synonyms

Michelia yunnanensis
Magnolia concinna
Magnolia dianica

Trees Shrubs

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Large evergreen shrub or small tree about 4m tall, with young shoots, leaf and flower stalks rusty-brown and felty. Glossy dark green leaves are lightly downy beneath, and fragrant white flowers with 6-10 petals and white anthers, open from velvety brown buds in mid to late spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Magnoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
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: Correct
Plant Range: China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or very light shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frost may damage the flower buds. For more information see magnolia cultivation advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early autumn or layering in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Wall side borders

Magnolia laevifolia

Other common names

Synonyms

Position

Soil Types

Max Height

Max Spread

Size

Growing Conditions

Position

Colour & Scent

Botanical Details

How to Grow

Cultivation

Propagation

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Pruning

Pests

Diseases