Magnolia salicifolia
willow-leaved magnolia
Broadly conical, deciduous tree to 10m in height, with narrow, willow-like, pale green leaves 10cm long, whitish beneath, and lemon-scented when bruised. Fragrant star-shaped, white flowers to 10cm across, with 6 narrow spreading tepals, opening before the leaves in mid-spring
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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 | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. See further magnolia cultivation advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, by softwood or greenwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or by semi-hardwood cuttings from late summer to autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
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
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