White champaca – A Fragrant Magnolia
If you are looking for fragrance in an evergreen tree then Magnolia alba (syn Michelia alba) is well worth considering.
Also known as ‘Paklan’ (meaning ‘white orchid’,) and ‘White champaca’, the flowers appear from summer to autumn. The buds form pointed and white and open to a spidery creamy coloured flower.
The flowers may not be as large as some other magnolias, however the fragrance is strong and so well regarded that it is used as a base in perfumes and cosmetics.
Landscaping uses
Magnolia alba is an evergreen tree and is easy to prune. These two characteristics give it even more value in landscaping.
It can be used as a screening plant and can be pruned as a hedging plant. The best use of Magnolia alba is in a position where the fragrance can be appreciated. Close to outdoor entertaining areas, or near pathways and entrances is ideal.
In Asia the flowers are used in garlands and often picked and floated in water bowls in homes and temples.
How To grow Magnolia alba – Basic Care
This is a species that requires a frost free position. It is an evergreen species from south East Asia, so naturally grows in tropical to sub tropical climates.
In cooler areas it requires a warm protected position to thrive.
New plants should be staked to help form a strong upright habit. soil should be amended before planting with the addition of well rotted compost and aged cow or sheep manure some weeks before planting.
Plants should be watered in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser and mulched.
Young plants should be protected through the first few winters in colder climates.
Summary
- Height – To around 8m, sometimes taller, however often pruned to 4m.
- Spread – Expect a grown of 3 – 4 m in a mature tree.
- Soil – Humus rich, moist well drained. Look for a pH of 6, although Magnolia alba is not that fussy.
- Position – Full sun to some afternoon shade.
- Magnolia alba will struggle in deep shade.
- Foliage – Glossy green
- Flowers – White to creamy white, small and fragrant and spidery.
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – No
Magnolia alba is available for sale from the following participating nurseries.
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
111 Stanhope Road Theresa Park NSW 2570
Offering a variety of sun hardy Australian natives and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcover's and perennials from semi advanced through to super advanced and semi-mature stock.
www.downesnursery.com.au