A rare and magnificent small tree. Magnolia ashei or ‘Ashes Magnolia’ is from North America and is deciduous.
Large leaves to nearly 1m in length, this is truly a big leafed magnolia. The flowers are a creamy white with a touch of crimson on the inside. Again large, they are fragrant and sit upright as pictured.
This is tree that will get to around 5m in height, however with a little judicious pruning can be kept to around 3m.
Landscaping Uses
Simply use it as a feature tree if you have the space. The foliage in itself will attract attention, and when in flower the whole tree is truly a magnificent sight. It grows well in cool climates, however the large leaves, that look a little like banana leaves, will also add a tropical touch to the garden.
Care
Best grown in dappled shade, a humus rich soil, but well drained. A position that mimics its natural habitat is best, where it acts as an under story plant to larger trees and receives the protection from sun and wind that they afford is best.
- Mulch well to provide a cool moist root run.
- Pruning is generally not required except for the removal of dead or damaged limbs
- New plants should be staked to help maintain an upright habit, watered in well with aliquot seaweed fertilizer to promote new root growth and mulched to provide a cool root run. Look for a soil ph of 6 – 6.5.
As you can see the foliage and the leaves are large, this is rarely offered in Australia.
Try Don Teese at Yamina Collectors Nursery in Monbulk.