Michelia

New Zealand’s Best Michelia Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Michelias, including Port Wine Magnolia, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Michelia, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Michelia

1. How fast do michelia grow?

Michelias grow at a moderate rate, typically adding 30-60 cm of new growth per year. However, their growth rate can vary depending on the species, climate, and growing conditions. For example, Michelia yunnanensis is a relatively fast-growing species, while Michelia maudiae grows slower.

2. What is the difference between Magnolia and Michelia?

Magnolia and Michelia are closely related plants, and they were once classified as separate genera. However, recent botanical research has shown that Michelia is actually a subgenus of Magnolia. This means that all Michelia species are now considered to be Magnolia species.

Despite this taxonomic change, there are still some key differences between Magnolia and Michelia species. One of the most notable differences is the placement of their flowers. Magnolia flowers typically bloom at the ends of branches, while Michelia flowers typically bloom among the leaves.

Another difference is that Michelia species are generally more tropical or subtropical than Magnolia species. Michelia plants are native to Asia and Southeast Asia, while Magnolia plants are native to North America, Asia, and Europe.

3. What is the best michelia plant for hedging?

The best Michelia plant for hedging is the Michelia figo. It is a compact, evergreen shrub that grows to a height of 1.5-2 metres and a width of 1-1.5 metres. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces highly fragrant, white flowers in spring and summer. It is also relatively low-maintenance and can be trimmed to size as needed.

Other good Michelia plants for hedging include:

• Michelia gracipes: Grows to 3 metres tall with white flowers in the spring.
• Michelia yunnanensis: A fast-growing Michelia with white or yellow flowers in spring and summer.
• Michelia maudiae: A slower-growing tree with fragrant, white flowers in spring.

When choosing a michelia plant for hedging, it is important to consider the desired height and width of the hedge, as well as the climate and growing conditions in your area. Michelias prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are also relatively cold-hardy, but they may need protection from winter winds and frost in colder climates.

4. How far apart do you plant Michelia hedges?

A generally spacing is 45-60 cm apart when 2.5L pot sizes are purchased. With larger grades (5L pot size) you can go out to 60-75 cm apart. Be sure to water the plants regularly and feed them in spring with a balanced fertiliser.

5. How big does Michelia grow?

Michelia plants can grow to a variety of sizes, depending on the species. Some are relatively small shrubs, while others can grow into large trees. Here are some examples of the different options:

• Michelia figo: This is a popular species that is often used for hedging. It grows to a height of 1.5-2 metres and a width of 1-1.5 metres.
• Michelia gracipes: Up to 3 metres tall, with white flowers in the spring.
• Michelia yunnanensis: This is a fast-growing Michelia with white or yellow flowers in spring and summer. It can grow to a height of 4-5 metres.
• Michelia maudiae: This is a slower-growing Michelia with fragrant, white flowers in spring. It can grow to 3-4 metres.
• Michelia champaca: This is a large tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall. It has fragrant, yellow flowers in spring and summer.

When choosing a Michelia plant, it is important to consider the desired height and width of the plant, as well as the climate and growing conditions in your area. Michelias prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are also relatively cold-hardy, but they may need protection from winter winds and frost in colder climates.

6. Which Michelia is the most fragrant?

The most fragrant Michelia plant is the Michelia champaca. It is a large tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall and has fragrant, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers of the Michelia champaca have a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that is often compared to the smell of jasmine.

Other Michelia plants with highly fragrant flowers include:

• Michelia figo
• Michelia maudiae
• Michelia doltsopa
• Michelia yunnanensis
• Michelia x foggii 'Bubbles'

The fragrance of Michelia flowers is strongest in the morning and evening hours. It is also more intense on warm, humid days.