Magnolia macrophylla
large-leaved cucumber tree
A tree for a sheltered site , this deciduous, upright but rounded tree about 10m in height with stout blue-grey stems, and very large pale green leaves, silvery-grey beneath reaching 1m in length. Scented, very large, cup-shaped, creamy-white flowers have a deep red base, and are produced in early summer.
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
- SE USA, Mexico, Caribbean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or very light shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frost may damage the flower buds. For more information see magnolia cultivation 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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see magnolia pruning. Deciduous magnolias should only be pruned between midsummer and early autumn
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.