Magnolia grandiflora 'Saint George'

RHS Plant Profile
evergreen magnolia 'Saint George'
Shrubs

A hardy, evergreen shrub to 3m in height, with a loose habit and oval-shaped, glossy dark green leaves with brown, furry undersides. Large, showy, lightly fragrant, tulip-shaped buds open to cup-shaped white flowers with a high number of flower tepals compared to other varieties, from June to August, followed by attractive red fruits

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years

Growing Conditions

Clay 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
H5

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
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 preferably neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates dry, alkaline soil. See 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

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

Pruning

Pruning group 9 or pruning group 13 if wall-trained. 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