Magnolias and Michelias

Michelias are evergreen, whereas Magnolias can be deciduous, semi-deciduous or evergreen. They originated in the Himalayas and China, and should be protected from wind from the West and South.

Magnolia soulangiana (deciduous) with pink and white flowers is very slow?growing (5 metres by 5 metres), self-pruning and multi-branching. It flowers in late Winter/early Spring. It has shallow roots and needs to be mulched.

Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen from the USA and Central America. This grows well against a North-facing wall. ‘Bull boy’ has huge flowers (as big as dinner-plates) and will flower in 4 to 5 years.

Michelia figo (Port wine magnolia) can grow to 3 metres and may be grown in pots. It flowers in warmer months and has a perfume like bubble-gum. The Port wine magnolia can be pruned to shape. Fertilise after pruning. It needs lots of fertiliser for the small flowers.

Michelia champrista is tall, growing 10 to 12 metres. It is a large leafed evergreen with yellow flowers and slender petals. It doesn’t like wind and has a sweet perfume.

Magnolia stellata (‘Star Wars’) grows to 2 metres with white or pink star-shaped flowers.

M. liliflora is deciduous, with conical burgundy flowers.

M. ‘Heaven Scent’ has pale pink flowers and grows to 5 metres.

M. ‘Elizabeth’ grows to 10 metres and has big yellow flowers with a slight perfume.

Magnolia leaves can indicate problems:

• brown on the edges = wind-burn

• brown in the middle = fungus

• ‘bleaching’ or a white spot = lack of fertilisers

Magnolias like soil pH of 5.5 to 6.0 with plenty of organic matter and manures (such as mulch + cow manure or compost).

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