Description

Looking for a magnolia with real character? Magnolia grandiflora is a great choice. Magnolia grandiflora is the evergreen bull bay magnolia, with large, glossy leaves and huge, fragrant cream flowers in summer.

Magnolias are among the most spectacular flowering trees and shrubs, with large, elegant blooms. Some flower on bare branches in spring, while evergreen types have glossy foliage and summer flowers.

Key features of Magnolia grandiflora

• Plant type: Evergreen tree
• Season of interest: Summer
• Look: Huge creamy-white fragrant flowers and glossy leaves
• Height and spread: 8m x 6m
• Position: Full sun or part shade, sheltered from cold winds
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Supplied in: 3L pot
• Best for: focal-point specimens, scented gardens, large borders, specimen trees

Why choose Magnolia grandiflora?

• Huge fragrant flowers
• Glossy evergreen leaves
• Summer flowering

Where to plant Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolia grandiflora grows best in full sun or part shade, sheltered from cold winds, in moist, well-drained soil. It is a good choice for focal-point specimens, and also works well for scented gardens, large borders and specimen trees. Underplant with spring bulbs, hellebores and ferns, which enjoy the same conditions.

How to plant Magnolia grandiflora

Give the pot a good soak first. Then dig a wide planting hole, enrich the soil with compost, and plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the ground. Firm in gently and water well, then add a mulch to hold in moisture.

How to care for Magnolia grandiflora

Water well in dry spells; mulch. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches, after flowering. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches after flowering. Late frosts can brown flowers.

Growing Magnolia grandiflora in a pot

Compact types grow well in containers. Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3, make sure the pot has drainage holes, and water regularly in summer, as containers dry out faster than borders.

Grown in the UK, for UK gardens

We grow our plants ourselves at St Annes in North West England. Raised outdoors and under cover in UK conditions, they are acclimatised, well rooted and ready to plant on arrival. This Magnolia grandiflora is supplied in a 3L pot. Container-grown plants can be planted almost all year round, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged; autumn and spring are ideal.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Magnolia grandiflora grow?
Magnolia grandiflora typically reaches 8m x 6m, depending on position, soil and pruning.

When does Magnolia grandiflora look its best?
Its main season of interest is summer, when it shows huge creamy-white fragrant flowers and glossy leaves.

Is Magnolia grandiflora hardy?
Hardy.

How do I prune Magnolia grandiflora?
Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches after flowering.

Can Magnolia grandiflora grow in a pot?
Compact varieties grow well in large pots.

Add Magnolia grandiflora to your basket today and enjoy summer interest in your garden.