Magnolia grandiflora
bull bay
M. grandiflora is a large, rounded evergreen shrub or tree with glossy dark green, leathery, oblong-elliptic leaves, often rusty-brown beneath, and highly fragrant, cup-shaped, cream flowers to 25cm across in late summer and autumn
Other common names
bullbaygreat laurel-leaved magnolia
see morelarge-flowered magnolia
laurel magnolia
loblolly magnolia
southern magnolia
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Cream | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- SE USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, well-drained preferably neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates dry, alkaline soil. Further magnolia cultivation advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn, semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early autumn or layering in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 1 in spring as growth begins. Pruning group 13 in summer if wall trained
Pests
May be affected by horse chestnut scale and capsid bug
Diseases
Coral spot and honey fungus may be a problem
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.