Magnolia Varieties
Many Magnolia varieties and species are available for sale in Australia and have some of the most elegant flowers in the plant world. Magnolias come in both evergreen and deciduous varieties, and small-growing varieties are popular as focal points in gardens.
Deciduous Magnolia species are mostly from China, Japan and surrounding areas. Evergreen Magnolia varieties and species include new introductions such as Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ and Magnolia ‘Kay Parris’ as well as Magnolia Grandiflora.
How To Grow Magnolia – Basic Care
Magnolias are famous not only for their large, flamboyant flowers and being great feature trees but also for their use as screening trees. Magnolia Grandiflora are the evergreen magnolias, while deciduous magnolias come in many cultivars. Magnolia stellata is a very popular smaller-growing deciduous form.
Magnolias prefer sunny, open locations. Early morning sun is beneficial, as it helps prevent frost damage to blossoms. Applying mulch or a layer of leaf litter around the drip line can help maintain cool root temperatures.
Magnolias do not have a high fertiliser requirement once established. Before planting, dig in well-rotted manure and remember to water Magnolia regularly when establishing. Magnolias prefer consistently moist soil, especially when young. Adequate watering during dry spells is crucial, but avoid overwatering or allowing the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Flowers in the first year can sometimes be a little disappointing, but this will improve by the third year. Pruning is usually minimal for magnolias. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed. Be cautious with heavy pruning, as it can reduce blooming.
Magnolia Species and varieties
Deciduous species
Most of the deciduous types are from China and Japan. The evergreens are mainly from North America and a few other species are from areas including South America, Nepal, India and New Guinea.
Most deciduous magnolia cultivars are developed from Chinese and Japanese species. Evergreen magnolia cultivars such as the well known ‘Magnolia Little Gem’ have been developed from Magnolia Grandiflora.
Deciduous Magnolias flower in late winter to early spring with flowers forming on bare branches making a spectacular display. Magnolia soulangiana and Magnolia stellata are very popular deciduous forms. These deciduous magnolias make fantastic specimen trees.
Evergreen Species
Evergreen Magnolias are famous for Magnolia Grandiflora ‘Little Gem’. However others exist, larger forms include Magnolia Grandiflora Exmouth and St Marys.
Other smaller forms include the newly released Magnolia Grandiflora Kay Parris and Teddy Bear. Evergreen Magnolias make great hedging plants, work well at the back of the garden border and are also suitable a specimen plants.
Popular Magnolia Species
Magnolia species are varied. With both evergreen and deciduous species, along with a variety of flower forms and colours. Magnolias are native to both North and South America as well as China, Nepal, Japan. The Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and other asian countries.
Magnolia macrophylla has large, fragrant white flowers with a red inner band and leaves up to half a metre is a fantastic specimen.
Magnolia Little Gem is a very popular evergreen magnolia tree. It is a dwarf form of Magnolia grandiflora, and grows to approx 0.4m by 2.5m and is great as a feature or even as a screening tree.
Magnolia ‘Felix’, Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ and Magnolia ‘Vulcan’ are three new release Magnolias from Jury Magnolias in New Zealand.
Magnolia ‘Felix’ produces stunning large flowers that have been measured to nearly 35 cm (14 inches) across. The fragrant flowers appear early in spring, and Magnolia ‘Felix’ is a prolific flowering tree. Growing to around 5 – 7m (15 – 20ft) if left alone, expect Magnolia Felix to grow at 24 inches a year in ideal conditions but usually 12 inches. Foliage following the flowers is a lighter green than many magnolias but quite large.
Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ is another new introduction. Dark red cup-shaped flowers that maintain a tighter shape than many magnolias. They look a little like large, rounded tulips, hence the name. Eventually, this one will reach 4-6m (12 – 18ft). Magnolia ‘Black Tulip’ is also a prolific flowering specimen.
Magnolia Vulcan is another Jury release. A smaller growing tree to 5m (15ft) with large ‘port wine’ coloured flowers. It is a prolific flowering deciduous magnolia well worth a place as a feature tree in the garden.
Popular White Magnolia Trees
Magnolia denudata, which is a white flowering species. Another is Magnolia sieboldii which flowers in late spring through to summer with white flowers and stamens, Magnolia x ‘Lotus’, Magnolia x ‘Milky Way’ and Magnolia ‘Pristine’ which is a cross between stellata x denudata.
More Magnolia Varieties
Magnolia Trees are available for sale from the following nurseries
WINTER HILL TREE FARM Ph: 02 4878 9193 Fax: 02 4878 9109
NSW Southern Highlands
Retail & Wholesale. Advanced trees & hedging. Grown in pots for year-round planting. 45 litre - 1000 litre available. Great range. Great Quality. Delivery available.
www.winterhill.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
In Brisbane and Gold Coast Try
300 Oxley Drive Coombabah QLD 4216
Located on the north end of the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. The 6 acre site is home to Queensland's biggest & best garden centre. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges.
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au