Magnolia in Full Bloom Outside the Radcliffe Camera, Oxford University.

Magnolia’s make an excellent garden plant, flowering in March – May. Early flowering varieties may be susceptible to frost. This can be avoided by protecting flowers with fleece on late spring frosts. With global warming,  late frosts may reduce in severity but do not hold your breath.

The light green leaves of this magnolia will turn deeper green and more leathery as the summer moves on. This picture below was taken of a 12 foot high magnolia in a parkland area.

Magnolia’s are fairly low maintenance. The most important thing is to choose a suitable location in full sun / partial shade, avoiding frost pockets and providing a good soil as preparation.

 

 

Magnolias are one of the best early flowering shrubs and trees. There are over 200 species of Magnolia and the grandiflora are some of the best to look out for.

For masses of star shaped blooms try a Stellata variety

Magnolia in bud outside, University Church Oxford, the snow has not damaged the budding flower. Fortunately the snowy weather was not accompanied by a hard frost.

Magnolias like acidic soil. Many varieties are native to the Himalayas and feature in specialist gardens.

Most Magnolias are cream or pink with a multitude of shades in between.

Magnolia Growing
Magnificent Magnolia varieties

Ladybirds finding food on a Magnolia