Magnolia trees

Magnolias are one of the most ancient of flowering trees, and are today grown primarily for their attractive flowers. The flowers are primitive, and the petals lack the protective sepals found in most flowering trees which evolved later. Instead they have tepals, which perform both functions - and this is the main reason why it is best to plant Magnolias in sheltered locations.

Compared to other flowering ornamental trees, Magnolias seem to have an unusually wide colour palette, with white, pink, yellow, purple, and red varieties available. Many species are deciduous but there are also semi-evergreen and full evergreen varieties. The genus is also geographically spread, with both Asian and American species. This diversity is perhaps a result of the great age of this genus, which dates back almost 100 million years, to a time when the continents we know today did not exist.

Magnolias do best in well-drained soils and sheltered conditions, but they need plenty of water over the summer - use a mulch to help retain moisture. They are tolerant of clay and some varieties will also tolerate chalk, but they generally prefer neutral or slightly acidic conditions. Many are also tolerant of air pollution so are a good choice for city gardens.

Magnolias do not like to be transplanted, so plant the tree directly in its final position. They have quite shallow roots, so avoid planting anything else nearby.

To encourage flowering use small applications of tomato fertilizer over the summer.

Magnolias are mostly very cold-hardy and suitable for all areas of the UK, but paradoxically frost can easily spoil the appearance of the blossom, hence the recommendation to plant in a sheltered position.

Magnolias generally need little or no pruning - but can be pruned hard after the spring flowering is over if necessary. Pruning can be used to check the height of the tree - remove the thicker branches and prune back to the smaller flower-bearing newer shoots. You can also remove lower shoots to give a more tree-like appearance, although many Magnolias have a naturally shrub-like habit and will produce new shoots from low down on the main stem.

Magnolias don't usually produce nectar (they arose before insects evolved) so are not particularly helpful for bees, but many of them produce seeds which are attractive to wildlife.

Most of our Magnolias are grafted on to Magnolia kobus rootstocks - which are robust and hardy, and do not produce suckers.

Hybrid Magnolias are likely to flower within 1-2 years after planting. Older varieties may take 3-4 years, and possibly as long as 5 years for species such as Magnolia sprengeri.