This elegant collection of Magnolias will make a superb feature in your garden. The showy flowers emerge on bare stems before the foliage appears to clothe their handsome shape. These large shrubs are ideal for growing in wide borders or planting as stand-alone specimen shrubs.
- Collection comprises:
- Magnolia stellata - The silky buds of the Star Magnolia open to reveal exquisite, pristine-white blooms in early spring. Its lightly scented flowers are borne in profusion, covering the naked branches in a flurry of petals over several weeks. As spring progresses, Magnolia stellata becomes cloaked with a dense covering of attractive mid-green leaves.Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 4m (12').
- Magnolia x soulangeana - ideal for smaller gardens; behaving as a slow growing, spreading shrub or manageable small tree. Don't miss out on the spring colour of Magnolias in your garden; they look amazing with an underplanting of colourful spring bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips. Height and spread: 6m (20').
- Magnolia 'Susan' - Deep purple-red buds unfurl in mid spring to reveal goblet shaped flowers with gently twisted petals. The fragrant blooms, each measuring up to 15cm (6") across have purple petals, deeper in colour on the outside, with paler interiors. Magnolia 'Susan' has a neat upright habit, remaining relatively compact with maturity. Height: 4m (12'). Spread: 3m (10').
Culinary note: The young flowers, once separated, can be pickled and then used either on their own as a treat or in salads. For more details about edible flowers click here.
Plant magnolias in a sunny or semi shaded position with protection from cold winds and hard spring frosts. Magnolias prefer a rich, moist, well drained, acid to neutral soil. Incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost to improve the soil prior to planting, mixing it thoroughly and deeply. Magnolia plants establish quicker when their roots are shaded. Following planting, apply a mulch of rotted bark chips, manure or garden compost, taking care not to mound it around the stem of the plant.
