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Magnolia kobus 'Janaki Ammal'

A mid-sized deciduous tree, to around 5m high in 10 years, and up to 10m high at maturity. It has an upright then spreading habit, and long, slightly wavy glossy green leaves. Mature trees produce masses of large, cup-shaped flowers as the leaves emerge in spring, followed by clusters of bright red seeds in autumn. This cultivar was named after a pioneering female botanist

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Yellow Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil, though this species will tolerate slightly alkaline soils as long as they are not too dry. Position in full sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds. See magnolia cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1. 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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