|
I should point out here that all cultivars of Magnolia grandiflora are evergreen and all have very similar flowers - namely creamy white and bowl shaped, produced over a long period through the summer. Most are deliciously scented - most people call it a citric type fragrance. The differences between cultivars can be subtle, though some do have specific features. There is variation in hardiness, speed of growth and ultimate size, as well as the age from which they can be expected to flower. All will thrive on a wall, though many will grow very happily free-standing. Generally an element of shelter is required in the winter, purely because they are evergreen - since they keep their leaves, they will be more vulnerable to desiccation from a cold wind. However, I have some in a cold site here, actually acting as a wind break and they are doing amazingly well, so it just goes to show that it is always worth giving it a go! Often
considered to need an acid soil, they will certainly enjoy such, but it
is not the most important thing. They |
like a humus rich soil of good structure which maintains a relatively constant moisture level. A thick bark mulch is excellent, but avoid mushroom compost since this does contain concentrated lime which can be too much for them. They will generally grow happily enough in a shady site, though it may be at the expense of flower - adequate heat and light is required in order to ripen the wood to promote flower development. If you need help in selecting exactly which cultivar is perfect for your application, please do not hesitate to contact me. We have more choice than ever this year, which can make it rather bewildering! Whenever possible, larger plants will
be available. Please ask for details. |
NEW |
MAGNOLIA
grandiflora 'Blanchard'
A lovely form in which the broad glossy green leaves have a rich dark coppery indumentum on their undersides. Cup shaped white flowers in late summer. Large evergreen shrub or small tree of compact pyramidal habit to 8m. Tolerant of most normal soils and conditions, but generally flowers best when grown against a sunny wall, sheltered from cold winds in the winter. |
|
|
|
|
MAGNOLIA
grandiflora 'Charles Dickens' This is a tetraploid form - these additional chromosomes result in larger flowers! These large bowl shaped blooms are followed by bright red fruits which are dramatic against the rich glossy green foliage. A broad, bushy form to 8m. There is debate as to whether it is actually a hybrid with M. macrophylla, although it essentially resembles M. grandiflora. |
|
|
|
|
| NEW | MAGNOLIA
grandiflora 'Ferruginea' This is a classic cultivar, selected for its dense coppery indumentum on the undersides of deep green leaves. Large goblet shaped fragrant creamy white flowers in late summer. Large evergreen shrub or small tree of upright yet compact habit to 10m. Tolerant of most normal soils and conditions, but generally flowers best when grown against a sunny wall, sheltered from cold winds in the winter. |
|
|
|
| NEW | MAGNOLIA
grandiflora 'Harold Poole' Quite different to the usual selections, this small shrubby selection grows slowly to 4m. The glossy dark green leaves are rather narrower and curve downwards, whilst the flowers are also proportionally smaller. Tolerant of most normal soils and conditions, but generally flowers best when grown against a sunny wall, sheltered from cold winds in the winter. Surprisingly tolerant of wind. |
|
|
|
| NEW | MAGNOLIA grandiflora 'Kay Paris' |