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Magnolia caveana

Rare in cultivation, a large, spreading evergreen tree about 30m in height, with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves to 15cm long, greyish-white beneath, produced at the branch tips. Large, scented, white flowers with spreading tepals are often red-tinged on the outside, and emerge from red buds, in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
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

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or partial shade with shelter from cold winds. Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C. See magnolia cultivation for further advice

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Pruning group 9

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

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