Native to the southeastern states of the USA, magnolia grandiflora is a species of evergreen tree, which is also cultivated as an ornamental garden shrub, often trained against a wall. Popular names for the plant include Southern Magnolia, Evergreen Magnolia, Bull Bay Magnolia and Big Laurel. It is slow to mature, but may live for 150 -200 years and reach a height of 50 to 80 feet.
As its name implies, magnolia grandiflora bears large, very fragrant, creamy white flowers up to 10 inches across from mid summer to autumn, followed by red/brown cone-like fruits. Glossy green on top, the underside of the leaves is an attractive matt covered with fine red brown hairs. Although easy to grow and hardy in most temperate climates, its size makes the true species plant generally unsuitable for small gardens. However, smaller named varieties have been developed in cultivation.
Choosing a Magnolia Grandiflora
Magnolia magnolia is slow in coming to flower - grafted plants flower at 5-7 years old, but seed-grown plants may not flower for 25 years - but then produce an increasingly spectacular abundance of flower as they grow older. It's therefore wise to buy a pot grown plant when it's actually in flower.
Alternatively look for the largest and most mature plant you can find or afford, from a reputable nursery or grower, like Botanica of Suffolk, and find out how old it is and how it was propagated. Also be careful to reject any specimen which has mottled or yellowing leaves or shows any signs of stress or check.
Growing Magnolia Grandiflora
Magnolia grandiflora grows best in neutral or slightly acid soil, well enriched with humus when planting, and in part shade, but will tolerate sun better than other magnolia species. Once planted, this easy-to-grow species needs little attention. Simply;
- Mulch annually, and in dry weather to prevent moisture loss.
- Avoid root disturbance after planting, controlling weeds by bark chips or fabric rather than by hoeing.
- Shake any snow from the branches, which may otherwise break under the weight.
- Prune only when needed to remove diseased or unsightly growth or to control size.
Varieties of Magnolia Grandiflora
The true species plant is the most widely grown, and the one most likely to be found in most nurseries or garden centres. However, a number of other varieties have been developed, including some smaller forms, which may be available from specialist growers and nurseries. These include;
- Magnolia grandiflora Exmouth. Rather smaller than the true species plant, growing to about 35 feet, but with huge creamy white fragrant flowers up to 12 inches across. Large glossy green leaves, with an attractive brown felt-like underside. Probably the most widely available form after the species plant.
- Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem. Suitable for smaller gardens, Little Gem grows to only about 15 feet and has fragrant creamy white flowers and large green leaves.
- Magnolia grandiflora Galissoniere or Galissoniensis. Height and spread 30-35 feet. One of the hardiest forms. Fragrant ivory white flowers and green leaves.
- Magnolia grandiflora Goliath. Height and spread 45 feet. Flowers at a young age. Large scented goblet shaped white flowers and glossy green leaves.
- Magnolia grandiflora Victoria. Grows to 100 feet in its native British Columbia, probably 50 feet in Europe. Creamy/white fragrant flowers and glossy dark green leaves.
Other forms of magnolia suitable for smaller gardens are magnolia soulangeana and magnolia stellata.
Tony Allen - In 2004 I began my "fourth career" as a freelance writer. In my first career, after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, I ...
