Magnolia sieboldii subsp. sinensis

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese magnolia
Chinese magnolia RHS 2003

Synonyms

Magnolia sieboldii var. sinensis
Magnolia nicholsoniana misapplied
Magnolia globosa var. sinensis
Magnolia sinensis

Shrubs

A spreading large deciduous shrub with dark green, ovate leaves, greyish beneath, and cup-shaped fragrant white flowers 10cm across, with prominent crimson stamens

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Correct
Plant Range
W. China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Will grow in moist alkaline soils. Further magnolia cultivation advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf

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