Guides For Growing Beautiful Magnolia Trees & Shrubs

How to Plant and Grow Magnolia Trees & Shrubs

Planting a Magnolia and getting it to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive. The Plant Company has the right advice to give you the greatest chance of success when growing a Magnolia.

How To Grow A Magnolia Little Gem Hegde

Magnolia 'Little Gem' makes a beautiful and dense hedge. Plants are usually spaced 75 cm apart for hedging. They can be planted up to 60 cm apart if a dense hedge is required quickly. They will fill in, even if planted at 1 m apart, though the density of the foliage at the base of the plants can start to be reduced at the wider spacing. Remember that the number of plants for a hedge 5 m long and spaced 1 m apart is 6 (not 5) as you need one at both the start and end.

If a narrow and dense hedge is required, the trimming will need to start early. That is, start clipping the sides and top with secateurs well before it reaches the desired height and width. Each time a stem is cut, the buds on the remaining stem will sprout. Each stem will now end up with two or more shoots growing from it. Repeatedly doing this forces the plant to keep branching and therefore makes the plant denser.

Once the hedge is getting close to the desired width, the trimming regime can move to an annual basis and this is usually down after flowering. Opt for lightly trimming rather than any aggressive cutting.

How To Grow Magnolia Champaca From Seed

Growing Magnolia champaca from seed is possible, but it's a challenging process with a lower success rate compared to propagating from cuttings or air layering. The seeds germinate slowly and can take several months to germinate. From there it can take 10 years for the tree to be of sufficient size to flower. Further, seed-grown champacas may not inherit the exact flower size, fragrance, or colour of the parent tree.

To grow Magnolia champaca, pick a fruit that has just begun to split open naturally. Extract the seeds from the ripened fruit and soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours. Sow them in a pot or seed tray with the well-draining, acidic potting mix. You want them to be just covered with soil. Moisten the mix but avoid making it soggy. Place the pot in a warm location with temperatures ideally between 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F). Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear dome to create a humid environment. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and erratic. Once seedlings emerge, gradually introduce them to lower humidity by venting the plastic wrap or dome and provide bright, indirect sunlight. As the seedlings grow, provide proper watering, feeding, and repotting as needed.

How To Make A Magnolia Standard

Creating a Magnolia standard requires both patience and a straight, single-stemmed plant to start off with. The plant is staked to grow with a straight trunk. All the side branches are trimmed off cleanly against the trunk such that 50% of the vegetation remains. The more of the foliage is removed, the slower the tree will grow. Each six months the tree is progressively trimmed until the desired height of clean stem is achieved. This process can take two years (or more) to complete. If all this seems too hard or you don’t have the patience, contact us and we can generally supply your needs.

How To Plant A Magnolia

Choose a full sun position with good drainage and moderate shelter for your Magnolia tree. The hole should be dug to at least 50-75% deeper and wider than the container the plant is currently growing in. A good planting spade makes this job a lot easier. The Plant Company recommends incorporating compost or sheep pellets into the soil to provide additional organic material, but this is not essential. Do not put fertiliser in the bottom of the hole, rather spread that on the soil surface after planting, and preferably do this when the plant is actively growing in spring.

Remove the plant from the container it is growing in by either pulling it free or by cutting the bag. We recommend cutting the bag, especially for larger grade plants, to minimise any chance of damaging the roots. If the roots are bound up, you can tease them apart if you want but this is not essential. The Plant Company does not advise cutting through roots, even if the plant is rootbound, as that injures the plant. Our article, Managing Rootbound Plants explains this in more detail.

Now place the plant in the hole and make sure it is level with the soil surface before filling in around it. If it is sitting above the soil surface, dig more out. If it is below, put in more soil and retest the level. Once the plant is set level with the soil surface, add more soil gradually and firm it around the plant using gentle pressure from your fingers as you go. Scatter tree fertiliser across the soil surface after planting and the give the plant a good watering. If the plant is taller than 30 cm you might want to consider staking it to give it a bit of extra support and use tree ties for secure and appropriate holding.

What Conditions Do Magnolias Like To Grow In?

Magnolias have a few preferences for their growing conditions. Specifically:

• They prefer to grow in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. However, too much shade can reduce flowering.
• Magnolias do not like wet feet, so they need to be planted in well-drained soil.
• They prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
• Magnolias can be damaged by strong winds, so it is best to plant them in a sheltered spot and stake the tree.
• Magnolias are also relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they will benefit from regular watering during the first few years after planting or until they are established.

What Month Is Best To Plant A Magnolia Tree?

The best month to plant a Magnolia tree is any time between autumn and spring. This enables the tree to establish ahead of the summer heat. Our article, How to plant a Magnolia gives all the tips you will need to grow a tree well.

Magnolia Care

Caring for Magnolias is about making sure the plants are thriving. Our plant care articles provide the necessary details to give you the greatest chance of success. Afterall, there is nothing worse than investing in the plants, putting the effort into planting them, and then having them fail. Therefore, follow our advice for Magnolia care and give yourself the best chance of success.

How To Care For Magnolias

Caring for Magnolias is all about knowing what to do in each season. Even though they are low maintenance plants, they will benefit from the attention you provide.

Winter is the perfect time for mulching around your plants. Organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets should be spread liberally around the plants and then overlaid with a mulch. The Plant Company has two very good options for mulch. The first is coco fibre matting which is made from the husks of coconuts. It breaks down to become part of the soil within two years. The second is the black plastic matting which will last 20 years or more. In both instances The Plant Company recommend stones, bark chip, or other similar products be spread over top of the mulch for aesthetic purposes. The Plant Company do not recommend adding fertiliser during winter as this is better applied in spring so less is wasted. However, adding organic matter is quite okay.

Spring is the perfect time for fertilising the plants as they start to bounce into life and flower buds begin to open. The Plant Company has fertilisers which have been specially blended for different plants and in this instance, our tree fertiliser will give them the correct boost and keep them fed for 12-months. A suitable alternative is organic fertiliser which will also keep them well fed but it will require a secondary application in autumn.

Summer is when the plants need regular watering and this should be undertaken daily on the hottest days. Plants that are establishing need particular attention as their root system will not have penetrated deep enough to secure consistent moisture yet. Summer is also the season when varieties that have finished flowering should be trimmed if this is required. Please refer to our section on pruning and trimming for details on how to do this correctly.

Caring for Magnolias in autumn is all about finishing any trimming and keeping the plants healthy. Foliar feeding smaller trees using a liquid fertiliser can be undertaken during spring, summer, and autumn if you have time but this is not essential if solid fertiliser and/or good amounts of organic matter have already been applied. If you think the plants need an extra boost or have some yellowing, however, a liquid fertiliser won’t hurt.

Magnolia Flower Information

This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Magnolia flowers and what can be done with them.

Do Magnolia Flowers Have A Scent?

Most Magnolia flowers have a scent, though there are a few exceptions. The fragrance varies for each cultivar for both its strength and the type of fragrance produced. The scent is often described as sweet and floral with a citrus element and a touch of creaminess. While most magnolias produce fragrant flowers, some, like the champaca magnolia, are known for their powerful and intoxicating fragrance, while others have a more subtle sweetness.

How Often Do Magnolia Flowers Bloom?

The flowering frequency of a Magnolia tree depends on the specific variety. However, most Magnolias bloom once a year in the spring or early summer. Some varieties may have a secondary flowering in late summer, but the flowers produced are usually smaller and less prolific than the main flowering in spring. A few factors will influence flowering:

• Climate: Magnolias flower best in warm climates with mild winters. Late frosts can damage flower buds, reducing blooms for that season.
• Tree Age: Younger magnolia trees may take a few years to mature before they begin flowering regularly.
• Tree Health: Stress due to factors like insufficient light, lack of nutrients, or pest issues can affect flowering.

How To Make Magnolia Flower Tea

To make magnolia flower tea, simply take dried or fresh petals in a pot and pour hot water over the them and let them steep for 5-10 minutes. Steeping for longer can result in a stronger, more bitter tea. If using dried magnolia petals, use 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water or use 2-3 fresh petals per cup of hot water. Be sure to identify the Magnolia species correctly as not all Magnolia flowers are suitable for consumption!

What Does A Magnolia Smell Like?

The scent of a Magnolia flower is a delightful combination of several notes:

• Sweet Floral: Magnolias have a sweetness reminiscent of roses, but often with a lighter and more delicate touch.
• Citrus: A refreshing citrus edge, sometimes described as lemony.
• Creamy: A subtle creaminess is often detected in the fragrance.
• Fruity: Some people pick up on a hint of fruity notes.

What Is Special About The Magnolia Flower?

The Magnolia flower represents several special qualities that make it unique and admired:

• Ancient Lineage: Magnolias are considered one of the oldest flowering plants, with fossils dating back over 95 million years. Predating even bees, they relied on beetles for pollination.
• Unique: Magnolias don't have true petals and sepals like most flowers. Instead, they possess tepals, which are flower parts that blend the characteristics of both petals and sepals.
• Fragrant: Many magnolia varieties are known for their powerful and pleasant fragrances. Some describe the scent as sweet, lemony, or with a hint of citrus.
• Symbol of Resilience: Magnolia's enduring nature and ability to thrive for centuries has earned it symbolic associations with perseverance, nobility, and everlasting connections.
• Visual Appeal: The flowers come in a range of sizes and colors, with some having flowers as large as 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter. Their large and fragrant flowers coupled with glossy green foliage makes them a captivating sight.

Which Magnolia Has The Strongest Scent?

There isn't a definitive answer to which magnolia has the strongest scent, as scent perception can be subjective. However, several magnolia varieties are known for their powerful and pleasant fragrances:

• Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia): This classic magnolia features a strong, sweet fragrance with a hint of lemon.
• Magnolia champaca: This tropical magnolia is particularly prized for its intensely sweet and intoxicating fragrance. Sometimes described as fruity or with a spicy undertone, its scent is often used in perfumes.
• Magnolia soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia): This popular variety is known for its large, fragrant flowers. The fragrance can vary depending on the specific cultivar, but it's generally described as sweet and citrusy.
• Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia): While the star magnolia's flowers are smaller than some other varieties, they have a magnificent fragrance which is often described as sweet, lemony, and spicy.

Magnolia Tree General Information

This series of articles answers many of the frequently asked questions about Magnolia trees and Shrubs, such as how fast they grow, their hardiness, and more!

Are Magnolias Native To New Zealand?

Magnolias are not native to New Zealand. They are native to Asia and the Americas and were introduced to New Zealand by European settlers in the early 1800s. They quickly became popular ornamental trees, and today there are many different varieties of magnolias growing in New Zealand gardens.

How To Make Magnolia Essential Oil

Magnolia essential oil is extracted through a process called steam distillation. This requires specialized equipment that heats water to create steam, which carries the volatile oil compounds from the plant material. The steam is then captured and cooled, allowing the essential oil to separate from the water.

An alternative option is to create magnolia-infused oil at home. This involves steeping magnolia flowers in a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil for several weeks. This infused oil will capture some of the fragrance of the flowers, but it won't have the same potency or therapeutic properties as a true essential oil.

Magnolia Species & Different Types Of Magnolia Trees

There are over 200 species of Magnolia trees and shrubs, which are all part of the Magnolia genus. They are native to eastern North America, Central America, South America, and eastern and southeastern Asia. They are popular landscaping plants due to their beautiful flowers, which can be white, pink, yellow, or purple. They are also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Some of the most popular species include:

• Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): This evergreen magnolia is native to the southeastern United States. It is a large tree that can grow up to 25 m (80 feet) tall. Its flowers are large and white, and have a strong, sweet fragrance.
• Saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana): This deciduous Magnolia is a hybrid of two other magnolia species. It is a popular choice for landscapes because of its beautiful pink or white flowers.
• Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata): This deciduous magnolia is a small tree that is native to Japan. It is known for its star-shaped white flowers in early spring.
• Lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora): This deciduous magnolia is native to China. It is a large shrub or small tree that is known for its fragrant flowers.
• Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla): This deciduous magnolia is native to eastern North America. It is a large tree that can grow up to 25 m (80 feet) tall. Its leaves are the largest of any magnolia species, and its flowers are large and white.

What Does Magnolia Symbolize?

The Magnolia flower holds a rich and varied symbolism, depending on the culture and flower colour. Some of the more common meanings include:

• White magnolias symbolise purity, innocence, and perfection. This association likely stems from the flower's flawless white colour and unblemished appearance.
• Magnolias are often linked to feminine beauty and grace due to their delicate features and soft fragrance.
• The Magnolia's association with Southern aristocracy in the US has led it to symbolise nobility, dignity, and perseverance.
• Given their ancient lineage and ability to survive for centuries, magnolias represent resilience and the enduring strength of life.
• During the Victorian era, gifting magnolias expressed a deep appreciation for the natural world and its beauty.
• Beyond these general meanings, the flower colour can add specific nuances:
  • White Magnolias: Purity, luck, and stability.
  • Pink Magnolias: Youth, joy, and innocence.
  • Purple Magnolias: Good luck and well wishes for health.

What Height Does Magnolia Grandiflora Grow To?

Magnolia grandiflora, also known as the southern magnolia, typically grows to be 18-24 m (60-80 feet) tall. Under ideal conditions, some exceptional specimens have been measured at 37 metres (120 feet) tall.

What Is The Growth Rate Of Magnolia Grandiflora?

Magnolia grandiflora has a moderate growth rate which depends on the age of the tree and how well it is cared for. On average, they will grow 30-50 cm (1.0-1.5 feet) in height and 1-2 cm (0.5 inches) in diameter every year. Once they reach about 50 years old the growth slows considerably. If the trees are grown in a warmer climate, fertilised and watered regularly, and not exposed to strong winds, they will grow more quickly.

Which Magnolia Is The Fastest Growing?

The fastest growing magnolia is the Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). It can grow up to 75 cm per year in ideal conditions. Other fast-growing magnolias include:

• Saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana)
• Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
• Anise magnolia (Magnolia stellata)
• Lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora)
• Kay Parris magnolia (Magnolia 'Kay Parris')

Magnolia Varieties & Recommendations

Choosing a Magnolia that works for you can be challenging given the sheer number that are available. Working through the varieties, whether they are fragrant or not, how big the flowers are, and so on, can take considerable time. The Plant Company’s series of short articles aims to offer concise and easy to follow advice and recommendations so you can determine the variety for your needs.

Atlas Magnolia Tree Information

The Atlas magnolia (Magnolia 'Atlas') is a beautiful tree that is known for its enormous and showy flowers. It was bred in New Zealand in the 1960s by Felix Jury, combining Magnolia x soulangeana 'Lennei Alba' and Magnolia 'Mark Jury'. Some of its key features include:

• It is a deciduous tree with an erect and open form that grows 8-12 metres (26-40 feet) tall with a spread of 4-8 metres (13-26 feet).
• The Atlas magnolia produces huge, cup-shaped flowers that can reach up to 35 cm (14 inches) in diameter. The blooms are a captivating combination of lilac-pink on the outside, pure white on the inside, and a burgundy red centre. These are borne during mid-spring.
• It prefers full sun with a well-drained, soil that has a pH of 5-6. Shelter from strong winds is recommended to protect the large flowers.

With its magnificent flowers and manageable size, Magnolia 'Atlas' is a wonderful addition to many landscapes and creates a statement when in flower!

Fairy Magnolia Information

Fairy Magnolias are a popular choice for New Zealand gardens due to their compact size, beautiful blooms, and ease of care. Here's some information about Fairy Magnolias in New Zealand:

• They grow to a height of 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) tall and 1.5-2 metres (5-6.5 feet) wide.
• These magnolias are known for their profuse flowering in spring. They produce masses of fragrant, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or cream, depending on the variety. Each flower is about 6 cm (2.5 inches) wide.
• Fairy Magnolias have attractive and glossy, evergreen foliage.
• They prefer a sunny or partially shaded position. They are relatively tolerant of different soil types but will perform best in a fertile, moist soil, with good drainage.
• Fairy Magnolias are low-maintenance plants. They require minimal pruning, just enough to maintain their shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Water them regularly during dry periods, especially when young.
• These versatile plants can be grown as specimen trees, hedges, or maintained in a large pot.
• Some of the popular Fairy Magnolia varieties available in New Zealand include:
  • Michelia 'Fairy Blush': This variety has fragrant, lilac-pink flowers with a paler interior.
  • Michelia 'Fairy Cream': This variety produces masses of creamy-white, fragrant flowers.
  • Michelia 'Fairy White': This variety has pure white, fragrant flowers.

Overall, Fairy Magnolias are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for option for New Zealand gardeners looking for a compact, fragrant flowering tree.

Little Gem Magnolia Information

Magnolia 'Little Gem' is a dwarf version of the Southern Magnolia, a popular flowering tree from southeastern United States. This compact evergreen tree is perfect for those who love the traditional southern magnolia but don't have the space for a giant one. Some information about ‘Little Gem’ Magnolia includes:

• It grows to about 8 m (25 feet) tall and 3-5 m (10 to 15 feet) wide.
• It features large and fragrant, pure white flowers from spring through summer.
• The leaves are glossy, deep-green, with brown felt underneath. They are typically 12 cm long and 5 cm wide.
• This tree is easy to care for and is resistant to major pests and diseases, and tolerates pollution. It can be grown as a specimen tree, for screening, or in avenue or street planting.
• The Little Gem Magnolia is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, and can tolerate heavier soils.

If you're looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance flowering tree that's perfect for smaller gardens, Magnolia 'Little Gem' is a great option.

Magnolia Genie Information

Magnolia 'Genie' is a beautiful and popular choice for New Zealand gardens. It is known for its compact size, profuse flowering, and ease of care. Some of its key characteristics include:

• It grows to a height of 2-3.5 meters (6.5-11 feet) tall and 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) wide.
• It produces an abundance of fragrant, goblet-shaped flowers that are in shades of deep burgundy-red throughout spring, with a possible secondary bloom in summer.
• It has lush, mid-green foliage that develops yellow tones in autumn before falling.
• It requires minimal pruning and can tolerate a variety of soil types, although well-drained, acidic soil is preferred.

Magnolia 'Genie' is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a compact, easy-to-care-for magnolia with beautiful and fragrant flowers.

Magnolia grandiflora Information

Magnolia grandiflora, also commonly called the Southern Magnolia, is a large and striking evergreen tree native to southeastern United States. Some of its key characteristics include:

• This evergreen tree can grow up to 35 m (120 feet) tall with a spread of 20 m (65 feet), although it typically reaches 18 to 24 m in most gardens.
• It features large and fragrant, white flowers, up to 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter, during late spring and early summer. Their fragrance is often described as sweet and lemony.
• The leaves are glossy, deep green, and somewhat leathery in appearance. They are commonly 15-20 cm long and 8-10 cm wide.
• Southern Magnolia is a slow-growing tree, but it can live for hundreds of years. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil and a full sun position. It is resistant to pests and diseases but can be damaged by severe cold.

Magnolia grandiflora is a popular ornamental tree due to its beauty, fragrance, and longevity. It is often planted in parks, cemeteries, and large gardens. It can also be used as a street tree, although its large size may not be suitable for all locations.

Magnolia Teddy Bear Information

Magnolia 'Teddy Bear' is a compact and visually appealing evergreen variety that is well-suited for gardens with limited space. Some of its key characteristics include:

• This evergreen Magnolia typically grows to 4-6 metres (13-20 feet) tall and 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) wide at maturity. It grows with a dense and columnar habit.
• It features an abundance of large and fragrant, white flowers in late spring or early summer.
• The Teddy Bear magnolia has glossy, deep green leaves, that have a red-brown felt on the undersides.
• It is ideal for smaller gardens or planting near walkways where the large and fragrant flowers add both a touch of elegance and fragrance to the landscape.
• It is low maintenance and requires minimal pruning. It thrives with moderate watering and can tolerate a variety of soil types, although well-drained, acidic soil is preferred.

Overall, Magnolia 'Teddy Bear' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a compact, easy-to-care-for variety with stunning flowers and unique foliage.

Magnolia Tree Database - The Plant Company

The list of Magnolia trees that The Plant Company has worked on, propagated, and marketed is extensive. Our database of Magnolia varieties is listed below:

• Magnolia campbellii
• Magnolia 'Amethyst Flame'
• Magnolia 'Arabian Night'
• Magnolia 'Athene'
• Magnolia 'Atlas'
• Magnolia 'Billowing Cloud'
• Magnolia 'Black Tulip'
• Magnolia 'Brixton Belle'
• Magnolia 'Burgundy Star'
• Magnolia 'Butterflies'
• Magnolia campbellii 'Alba'
• Magnolia 'Cameo'
• Magnolia 'Charisma'
• Magnolia 'Charles Raffill'
• Magnolia 'Cleopatra'
• Magnolia 'Coolwyn Gloss'
• Magnolia 'D.D. Blanchard'
• Magnolia 'David Clulow'
• Magnolia 'Dawn'
• Magnolia dealbata
• Magnolia delavayi
• Magnolia denudata
• Magnolia 'Deryk'
• Magnolia 'Elizabeth'
• Magnolia 'Exmouth'
• Magnolia 'Fairy Blush'
• Magnolia 'Fairy Cream'
• Magnolia 'Fairy White'
• Magnolia 'Felix'
• Magnolia 'Forrest's Pink'
• Magnolia 'Galaxy'
• Magnolia 'Genie'
• Magnolia 'Gere'
• Magnolia 'Gold Star'
• Magnolia grandiflora
• Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'
• Magnolia grandiflora 'Main Street'
• Magnolia 'Heaven Scent'
• Magnolia 'Holywell'
• Magnolia 'Honey Tulip'
• Magnolia 'Hot Flash'
• Magnolia 'Ian's Red'
• Magnolia Iolanthe
• Magnolia 'Jade Emperor'
• Magnolia 'Jane Platt'
• Magnolia 'JC Williams'
• Magnolia 'Kay Parris'
• Magnolia 'King Rose'
• Magnolia 'Koban Dori'
• Magnolia kobus
• Magnolia laevifolia
• Magnolia 'Lanarth'
• Magnolia 'Lennei Alba'
• Magnolia 'Leonard Messel'
• Magnolia liliiflora
• Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'
• Magnolia 'Little Gem'
• Magnolia 'Lois'
• Magnolia macrophylla
• Magnolia 'Manchu Fan'
• Magnolia 'Margaret Helen'
• Magnolia 'Milky Way'
• Magnolia 'Nancy'
• Magnolia 'Old Port'
• Magnolia 'Pink Pearl'
• Magnolia 'Purple Sensation'
• Magnolia 'Red As Red'
• Magnolia 'Robusta'
• Magnolia rostrata
• Magnolia 'Royal Purple'
• Magnolia 'Royal Star'
• Magnolia 'Russet'
• Magnolia 'Rustica Rubra'
• Magnolia 'San Jose'
• Magnolia 'Serene'
• Magnolia sieboldii
• Magnolia 'Sir Harold Hillier'
• Magnolia 'Solar Flair'
• Magnolia soulangeana
• Magnolia soulangeana 'Alba'
• Magnolia 'Spring Snow'
• Magnolia 'St Mary'
• Magnolia 'Star Wars'
• Magnolia stellata
• Magnolia stellata 'Centennial'
• Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'
• Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'
• Magnolia 'Sundance'
• Magnolia 'Sundew'
• Magnolia 'Sunsation'
• Magnolia 'Susan'
• Magnolia 'Sweetheart'
• Magnolia 'Teddy Bear'
• Magnolia 'Todd Gresham'
• Magnolia 'Touch of Class'
• Magnolia 'Ula'
• Magnolia virginiana
• Magnolia 'Vulcan'
• Magnolia 'Waterlily'
• Magnolia 'Woodsman'
• Magnolia 'Yellow Bird'
• Magnolia 'Yellow Fever'
• Magnolia 'Yellow Lantern'

Port Wine Magnolia Information

The Port Wine Magnolia, also known as Michelia figo, is a great choice for gardens in New Zealand. Some of its key characteristics include:

• A small tree or shrub with glossy green foliage and a compact growth habit. It grows to about 2.5 to 3 metres (8 to 10 feet) tall and 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide. It can be trimmed to a desired shape or size.
• It is renowned for its beautiful and fragrant flowers in mid-spring. These are small, cream-white with a pink or lilac edge, and have a strong, sweet scent often described as smelling like juicy fruit chewing gum or spicy banana.
• It prefers a full sun or partial shade position and thrives in a well-drained soil that is fertile and slightly acidic soil.
• While tolerant of cool climates, moderate frosts, and short dry periods, it's best to protect younger plants while they are establishing.
• Port Wine Magnolias can be grown as a stunning specimen tree, included in mixed plantings, used as a hedge, or even grown in a large container on patios or balconies. It also makes a lovely backdrop for smaller plants.
• Michelia figo is a slow-growing plant, so be patient and generally opt for a larger size grade when purchasing.
• They are generally pest and disease resistant, but keep an eye out for common issues like scale insects or fungal diseases.

Overall, the Port Wine Magnolia is a beautiful, fragrant, and easy-to-care-for plant that's well-suited for New Zealand gardens. With its compact size and stunning blooms, it can be a valuable addition to your landscape.

What Are Some Common Evergreen Magnolias?

Some of the more common evergreen Magnolias include:

• Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): This is the most well-known evergreen magnolia. It is a large tree that can grow up to 24 metres tall. It has glossy, green leaves and flowers that are large, white, and fragrant.
• Magnolia 'Little Gem': This is a dwarf variety of the Southern Magnolia that only grows to about 7 metres tall. It has all the same features of the Southern Magnolia, but in a smaller size.
• Magnolia 'Kay Parris': This is another dwarf variety of the Southern Magnolia that only grows to about 5.5 metres tall. It has glossy, green leaves and large, white, fragrant flowers in late spring and early summer.
• Magnolia 'Teddy Bear': This is a new dwarf variety of the Southern Magnolia that only grows to about 4.5 metres tall. It has fuzzy, teddy bear-like leaves and large, white, fragrant flowers in late spring and early summer.

What Is A Cream Magnolia Tree Variety?

Some popular Magnolia varieties that produce cream-coloured flowers include:

• Magnolia 'St Mary's'
• Magnolia 'Russet'
• Magnolia 'Ferruginea'
• Magnolia delavayi
• Magnolia 'Fairy Cream'
• Magnolia 'Gold Star'
• Magnolia 'Main Street'

What Is The Best Magnolia Tree For Small Garden?

The best Magnolia for a small garden is one that is both compact and slow-growing. Some popular options include:

• Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata): This tree has star-shaped flowers in a variety of colours, including white, pink, and purple. It typically grows to 2-3 m tall.
• Little Gem Southern Magnolia (Magnolia 'Little Gem'): This cultivar grows to 5-6 m tall and produces large, white flowers with a sweet fragrance.
• Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia 'Heaven Scent'): This cultivar grows to height of 5-6 m and produces masses of pure white, tulip-shaped flowers.

Once you have chosen a Magnolia tree for your garden, be sure to plant it in a well-drained location that is sheltered and in full sun. Magnolias are relatively low-maintenance trees, but they will benefit from regular watering and feeding.

What Is The Prettiest Magnolia?

The Yulan magnolia (Magnolia denudata) is widely considered to be the prettiest Magnolia. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 m tall, with a broad, spreading crown. The tree becomes covered in masses of pure white, tulip-shaped flowers in spring which are sweetly fragrant.

Yulan magnolias are native to China and Korea, but they have been cultivated in other parts of the world for centuries. They are a popular choice for landscaping because of their beautiful flowers and graceful form. They are also relatively low-maintenance trees.

Other beautiful magnolia trees include:

• Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): This tree is known for its large, white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves.
• Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata): This tree has star-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple.
• Saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana): This tree is a hybrid of the Yulan and Southern magnolias. It has large, cup-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red.
• Magnolia 'Yellow Bird': This tree is a hybrid of the Yulan and Kobus magnolias. It has yellow flowers in spring.

Ultimately, the prettiest magnolia tree is a matter of personal preference. However, the Yulan magnolia is a popular choice for its beautiful white flowers, sweet fragrance, and graceful form.