Cleopatra Magnolia

Cleopatra Magnolia (Magnolia 'Cleopatra') is the deciduous magnolia for gardens that cannot spare the room for one. It grows to about 4m tall and 2.5m wide, an upright small tree that fits a courtyard bed or a large pot, and at the end of winter it covers its bare branches in deep wine purple tulip flowers before a single leaf appears. Few small trees give back that much colour from so little ground.

Why you'll love it

• Wine purple tulip flowers. The goblet shaped blooms open on bare wood, so the whole canopy reads as colour rather than flowers half hidden among leaves.
• A magnolia scaled for real gardens. At about 4m by 2.5m it sits in proportion beside a single storey home and never crowds a boundary.
• Roots that behave. The root system is non invasive, so it can go near paths, paving and garden walls without worry.
• Comfortable in humidity. Many deciduous magnolias sulk in warm coastal gardens. This one tolerates humid summers, which brings subtropical gardens into play.
• Safe around pets. It is considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Give it a position you see from the house in winter, because that is when it performs. A lawn specimen or an entry planting shows the bare branch display best.

Small gardens and courtyards. The upright habit and modest spread suit tight beds, and the winter flowers arrive when small gardens need them most.

Pots and balconies. It grows well long term in a container of 500mm or wider, where it stays smaller than its in ground size.

Growing Cleopatra Magnolia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light shade, with shelter from strong wind so the flowers last. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, and it is frost hardy, so cold winters are an asset rather than a problem. In warmer districts a little afternoon shade helps the blooms hold.

Soil. Moist, well drained and enriched with compost. Magnolias resent waterlogging, so raise the bed on heavy clay, and keep a 75mm mulch layer clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak once or twice a week through the first two summers, then water in dry spells. A controlled release fertiliser in early spring is enough.

Pruning. Barely any. Tidy wayward shoots straight after flowering and leave the framework alone.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cleopatra Magnolia in 300mm and 400mm pots, established plants with a developed branch structure rather than tubestock. Ordered in winter it may arrive bare of leaves and carrying buds, which is exactly what a deciduous tree should be doing. Plants are packed to travel upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a quiet few weeks while roots settle, then normal growth from spring. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read the complete guide to magnolia tree care in Australia.
• Compare varieties in the Australian guide to magnolia types.
• Browse the full magnolia collection.
• See more plants for small gardens.

Common questions

When does it flower?

At the end of winter and into early spring, on bare wood before the leaves emerge. In warm gardens the first buds can open earlier, and a late cold snap may mark open petals without harming the tree.

Can I grow it in a pot long term?

Yes. Use a container at least 500mm wide with premium potting mix, water consistently in summer, and refresh the top layer of mix each spring. Potted trees settle at a smaller size than the 4m it reaches in the ground.

Will it perform in a warm coastal garden?

Yes. Cleopatra tolerates humidity better than most deciduous magnolias, which is why it is listed for subtropical as well as temperate climates. Flowering is still strongest where winters bring genuine chill.

How do I keep it compact?

It rarely needs the help, topping out around 4m. If you want it smaller, prune lightly straight after flowering, never in late summer when next winter's buds are already formed.