Genus: Magnolia

Favoured for their showy and fragrant flowers, Magnolias belong to a genus made up of about 125 different species of tree and shrub that have hundreds of cultivated varieties (cultivars).

In colours spanning from pure white to white flushed with pink or purple through to pinks, purples, yellows and greens the flowers can be cup-, saucer-, goblet-, or star-shaped. Some of the blooms can be huge – M.grandiflora ‘Samuel Sommer’ has flowers reaching 35cm in diameter!

Many Magnolias will take many years to flower from seed but remember that this is a diverse genus. M.obovata can grow to 30m and M. x loebneri ‘Ballerina’ will only reach 3m!

Members growing plants in this genus

  • gillwahid

    Gillwahid

    joined 25 Jul, 2007

    4 plants

  • AndrewR

    Andrewr

    joined 7 Aug, 2007

    316 plants

  • DaveDarwent

    Davedarwent

    joined 11 Nov, 2007

    40 plants

  • JohnMartins

    Johnmartins

    joined 11 Dec, 2007

    5 plants

  • Tanja

    Tanja

    joined 22 Dec, 2007

    23 plants

  • Chrispook

    Chrispook

    joined 18 May, 2007

    234 plants

  • Sid

    Sid

    joined 29 Feb, 2008

    46 plants

  • gardener15

    Gardener15

    joined 15 May, 2007

    4 plants

  • majeekahead

    Majeekahead

    joined 18 Oct, 2007

    351 plants

Magnolia photos

  • Magnolia in back garden (Magnolia liliiflora (Magnolia))
    By Chrispook
  • Magnolia in back garden just opening on April 10th 2008 (Magnolia liliiflora (Magnolia))
    By Chrispook
  • Magnolia in front garden April 8th 2008. (Magnolia liliiflora (Magnolia))
    By Chrispook
  • Magnolia in front garden April 8th 2008. (Magnolia liliiflora (Magnolia))
    By Chrispook
  • Magnolia x soulangeana - bud (Magnolia x soulangeana)
    By AndrewR
  • Magnolia x soulangeana (Magnolia x soulangeana)
    By AndrewR
  • image_00080.jpg (Magnolia liliiflora (Magnolia))
    By Chrispook
  • Promise of Next Spring's Flowers (Magnolia soulangeana)
    By JohnOz
  • Imported_Photos_00088.jpg (Magnolia grandiflora)
    By gillwahid
  • Magnolia Stellata (Magnolia stellata)
    By The_Norf..

more...

Comments:

hedgehogg

Hedgehogg

16 May, 2008

 

just to say i looked up magnolias on bbc gardening and it says although most magnolias prefer slightly acidic soil stellata is ok in alkaline. However i have put mine in acid as thats what it said on pot and it seems to be happy.

hedgehogg

Hedgehogg

15 May, 2008

 

I have a stellata which flowers. I have it in west facing sunny position sheltered from wind and planted in pot in ericaceous (acid) soil. I have heard they dont like cold winds and dont like to be east facing as they dont like sun to hit them in frost. And they like acid soil. Good luck with your stellata.

Wyeboy

Wyeboy

15 May, 2008

 

I would suggest moving it late Autumn ,If it has only been in situ. for 2 years you should be able to dig well away from the roots and get a good removal without too much disturbance, but be careful water well before starting and puddle in afterwards.

AndrewR

Andrewr

13 May, 2008

 

Magnolias really resent root disturbance. If you have to move it, early spring is your best chance of a successful transplanting

Sid

Sid

13 May, 2008

 

My Mag stell is in sun for most of the day, but I think they like to have shade at the roots - mine has a path built over the roots and seems to like it that way!

bonkersbon

Bonkersbon

13 May, 2008

 

Hi Liz cant think of an occassion when seen Magnolia growing in shade.Almost always in open aspect with as much sun as possible.Most appear to enjoy a spot on their own with no immediate competition not too fussy about soil types but need good drainage.

Lori

Lori

22 Apr, 2008

 

Sigh....wish I could grow these! Lucky you...front and back too!

majeekahead

Majeekahead

18 Apr, 2008

 

mmmmm another of my favorites! - i have just ordered one off ebay - mine is a 'Stella' type', and its a baby only about 25cm tall at mo- i thought i would have a go - it would be lovely to see one grow into a beautiful tree over many years!

jacque

Jacque

10 Apr, 2008

 

How i love these Trees :)Lucky u Chris

sandra

Sandra

9 Apr, 2008

 

hi chris
i'm jealous. i strggle with magnolias. wrong soil and salt wind
sandra

Grammazoo

Grammazoo

9 Apr, 2008

 

Lovely!

jacque

Jacque

9 Apr, 2008

 

love this colour :D

chezs

Chezs

2 Apr, 2008

 

for such a big tree what a small pot its growing in ha ha......

jacque

Jacque

1 Apr, 2008

 

My Favarite Tree Andrewr MMMMmmmmmmmmmmm Magnolia:D

AndrewR

Andrewr

27 Feb, 2008

 

Magnolias absolutely HATE root disturbance. I would be inclined to use something biodegradable and plant that so the roots can grow through it. And do it just as growth is beginning for the new season

maple

Maple

5 Dec, 2007

 

You lucky thing John! I would still have had a vine weevil riddled twig haha

volunteer

Volunteer

22 Nov, 2007

 

Unfortunately, magnolias often regrow with very long straight growth that spoils the overall shape. Good luck.

AndrewR

Andrewr

21 Nov, 2007

 

Magnolia stellata is compact in youth but eventually will reach about 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Now you know what you're up against, you can make an informed decision as to what to do. In general, magnolias resent root disturbance but spring would be the best time if you have absolutely have to move it

maple

Maple

21 Nov, 2007

 

Hi Teresa I found you question in the plant section and tried to answer there.
http://www.growsonyou.com/plant/Magnolia_stellata

Don't know if it will help but the webpage in the reply might. Good luck