Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the Southern Magnolia or Bull Bay, is a captivating evergreen tree native to the US. This majestic tree is renowned for its striking, large, leathery leaves and its exquisite, fragrant flowers. It belongs to the Magnoliaceae family and can reach heights of up to 90 feet, making it a prominent presence in many landscapes.

Beautiful blooms

The standout feature of Magnolia grandiflora is undoubtedly its impressive flowers. These blooms, measuring up to 8 inches in diameter, are creamy-white with a hint of lemon at the base. Their exquisite fragrance fills the air, attracting not only human admirers but also pollinators like bees and beetles. These large, showy blossoms typically appear in late spring and sporadically throughout the summer. They create a stunning contrast against the backdrop of glossy, dark green foliage. Moreover, these evergreen leaves, with their shimmering undersides, offer year-round appeal, making Magnolia grandiflora a versatile and captivating addition to any garden or landscape.

Caring for Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolias are not frost-tolerant, so they require a sheltered location, ideally in a south or west-facing spot where they can receive maximum sunlight and some protection from cold winds. Ideally, they prefer a warmer and milder climate so plant in a protected, sunny spot. They also need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. So be sure to water deeply and mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture.The magnolia tree only needs minimal pruning, so try to only trim dead or damaged branches. They typically have a natural, pyramidal shape, so excessive pruning is not necessary.

One of the biggest things to remember about Magnolia grandiflora is that they can be slow growing, especially in the UK climate. So be patient, and your tree will gradually adapt and grow, producing the most stunning blooms.