The Magnolias that lose their leaves are about to start blooming now – late winter and spring. The bursts of colour they bring in winter can do a fantastic job in injecting life and interest into a space that can often be drab and cold in winter months. Their flowers on bare branches are a welcome reminder that spring is coming!
Deciduous Magnolias can range from shrubs of 3m to 6m trees. Generally they need some sun to flower well at least 4 hours to all day sun. They are not happy with heavy clay soils – add compost or loam soil to improve drainage and avoid winter rotting. Soil pH should be either neutral or lightly acidic. Being cooler climate trees naturally, some watering in hotter weather will keep them looking happier.
I always think its nice to underplant Magnolias with something that flowers in warm weather – this way you spread the flowering season throughout the year. I’d suggest
-Gardenia
-Liriope
-Arthropodium
-Azalea
Magnolia soulangeana
The classic saucer Magnolia, with its trademark dark pink blooms that turn white toward the ends, is a staple for a colourful garden. Growing about 4x4m it has a rounded habit and can have the lower branches pruned to make space for smaller plants.
Magnolia denudata
Unique in this group – the pure white flowers have a delicious fragrance, which adds another element to a bland winter garden. This is a more upright tree which can grow 6-8m tall, but of course can be pruned to keep it shorter. A stunning showpiece tree.
Magnolia Vulcan
This modern hybrid has quickly become a must-have for beautiful gardens. The magenta flowers can be as large as 25cm across! When in bloom this tree is traffic stopper – you will want a closer look. A medium Magnolia to 4.5m. Vulcan’s large, rounded matte-green leaves keep the tree looking attractive through spring and summer.
Magnolia Black Tulip
Another modern introduction. Black Tulip has smaller blooms than Vulcan, but of a deep plum colour and tightly packed into its distinctive tulip shape. A knockout. Only a small tree at 3.5m, it doesn’t need a lot of space.

