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Magnolia sieboldii subsp. sinensis

Chinese magnolia

A spreading large deciduous shrub with dark green, ovate leaves, greyish beneath, and cup-shaped fragrant white flowers 10cm across, with prominent crimson stamens

Synonyms
Magnolia sieboldii var. sinensis
Magnolia nicholsoniana misapplied
see moreMagnolia globosa var. sinensis
Magnolia sinensis
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red White Green
Summer Red White Green
Autumn Green Pink
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Magnoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
W. China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. Will grow in moist alkaline soils. Further magnolia cultivation advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf

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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