Magnolias

Evergreen or deciduous: the first decision

The evergreen magnolias are all forms of Magnolia grandiflora, with leathery deep green leaves and large lemon scented white flowers through the warm months. Little Gem is the most planted at about 5m tall by 2.5m wide, Teddy Bear is denser and slower to 4m with rusty bronze leaf undersides, and Exmouth is the full sized tree at 10m for those with room. All three hold foliage to the ground and clip well, so they double as formal screens.

The deciduous magnolias trade year round cover for a single unforgettable act: tulip or goblet flowers massed on bare branches in late winter before the leaves emerge. The Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) reaches about 5m with pink and white blooms, Black Tulip and Cleopatra stay near 4m with deep burgundy flowers, and the Star Magnolia is the compact choice at 3m. The michelias are a third path: the Port Wine Magnolia (Magnolia figo) makes a 3m hedge with small cream and burgundy flowers that smell of port wine in spring.

Where magnolias grow well in Australia

The grandiflora types are the most forgiving, handling frost, heat, drought and coastal exposure from subtropical Queensland down to cool temperate Victoria and Tasmania. Deciduous magnolias flower best where winter actually bites, so they excel in Melbourne, the hills districts, Canberra and Tasmania, and still perform in Sydney and Perth. In the humid subtropics, choose Cleopatra or a michelia over the Saucer and Star types. Port Wine Magnolia suits warm coastal gardens north into the tropics but takes only light frost. Give Star Magnolias shelter from hot afternoon sun and drying wind.

Planting and spacing

For a privacy screen, plant Little Gem or Teddy Bear at 1.5m centres and the row closes into a solid evergreen wall. Exmouth needs 4m between trees for a tall screen, and a Port Wine hedge goes in at 1m spacing. As features, allow the mature width, roughly 2.5m for the compact forms and 4m to 5m for Saucer and Exmouth.

Care basics

Plant into free draining soil enriched with compost, ideally slightly acidic, and mulch well because the fine surface roots resent drying out and digging alike. Water deeply once or twice a week through the first two summers. Feed in spring with a controlled release fertiliser for flowering trees. Evergreen forms take clipping in late spring; deciduous forms need almost no pruning beyond shape, done straight after flowering. Our magnolia care guide for Australia covers the seasonal detail.

Common questions

When do magnolias flower?

Deciduous types flower on bare wood from late winter into early spring, roughly July to September depending on how far south you garden. Evergreen grandiflora forms flower through summer and into autumn.

Will magnolia roots damage pipes or paving?

No, magnolia root systems are well behaved and most varieties here are flagged non-invasive. Little Gem and Teddy Bear are routinely planted along driveways and beside pools.

Which magnolia suits a small garden or pot?

Star Magnolia at 3m, Teddy Bear at 4m and Black Tulip at 4m all stay compact, and all three handle life in a large container of 60cm or more.

Are magnolias safe around pets?

Most of the popular varieties here, including Little Gem, Teddy Bear, Black Tulip and Star Magnolia, carry our Pet Friendly flag as non toxic to cats and dogs. Check the individual product page to be sure.

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