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TreesShrubs

Magnolia floribunda

Large, majestic tree reaching over 20m in height, with leathery, ovate dark green leaves, grey-green beneath and silky hairy when young. Fragrant white flowers with long narrow tepals to 3.5cm long and yellow stamens, flower between spring and summer; for very mild locations only

Synonyms
Magnolia floribunda var. tonkinensis
Michelia floribunda
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
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
S China to N Indo-China

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Flowers may be damaged by late frosts. Suited to south-west and inner city locations that remain frost-free for most of winter. See magnolia cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 9 or Pruning group 13 if wall-trained. See magnolia pruning for further advice

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, horse chestnut scale and capsid bug

Diseases

May be susceptible to coral spot, phytophthora, grey moulds, honey fungus, a virus or fungal leaf spot

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