Everything you need to Know about Magnolias

Magnolia is a large genus of over 200 different plant species. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, making them a popular choice due to their versatility for different garden spaces. Magnolias are evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous, dependant on the type of species. They have glossy green leaves and produce large fragrant white, yellow, purple, red or yellow flowers.

Varieties We Often Use

Magnolia Teddy Bear - An evergreen variety, they are relatively compact, reaching up to 4-6m. Their leaves are large and glossy, with a dark green top and felted bronze underside. They are a great choice to use as a screening plant. 

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ - A hardy plant choice, Little Gem grow to around 4m in height and can tolerate a variety of different climates. It has deep green leaves and produces large white perfumed flowers throughout Spring and Summer. ‘Little Gem’ is relatively insect and disease free, making it a great choice for any garden space.

Fact Sheet

Planting
Magnolias achieve optimal growth in a full sun, part shade position, with rich well drained soils. Adequate spacing between plants is essential to ensure they are able to grow to full size. Protection from wind is also important, to deter damage to delicate flowers and foliage. A good quality, slightly acidic soil will produce the best results, but Magnolias will also grow well in regular garden soil with with good drainage.

Flowering
Magnolias flower in late winter or early spring. This normally happens on bare wood before fresh leaves are produced.

Maintenance
Regular watering is necessary to ensure soil is kept moist, while using a quality controlled-release fertiliser annually in spring will assist in providing optimum growth. Supplements can be used as foliage and flowers develop, with fallen leaves being useful left at the base of the plant as a natural mulch.