MAGNOLIA grandiflora ‘Exmouth’ (Bull Bay Magnolia)

Bull Bay Magnolia 'Exmouth' (Magnolia grandiflora 'Exmouth') is the vigorous, upright form of the classic evergreen magnolia, reaching about 9m tall and 5m wide in a suburban garden. Large cream white flowers open through the warm months and carry a lemon scent, above glossy leaves backed with rust coloured felt. Bought ex ground it arrives as a genuinely advanced tree.

Why you'll love it

• Fragrance at scale. One tree perfumes a whole courtyard or entry on a still evening.
• Evergreen from top to bottom. Foliage held year round, so it screens in winter as well as it shades in summer.
• Roots that behave. Non-invasive roots make it a sensible choice near driveways, paths and paved courtyards.
• Not toxic to pets. A rare thing in a large feature tree.
• Hardy in real conditions. Frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, wind tolerant and coastal salt tolerant.

Where it works best

Feature planting. A single specimen on a front lawn or in a large courtyard is the classic use. Give it 5m of clear width and let the lower limbs skirt down.

Screening and boundaries. Plant 4m apart for a tall screen that still closes into a solid green wall.

Driveways and avenues. Matched trees at 5m to 6m centres give a formal approach, and the non-invasive roots keep the driveway surface flat.

Growing Bull Bay Magnolia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the best flowering, with light afternoon shade acceptable in hot inland gardens. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean districts, from Brisbane through to Melbourne and Perth. It handles frost once established.

Soil. Deep, free draining soil enriched with compost, ideally slightly acidic. Avoid low spots that hold water. Mulch a wide ring 75mm deep, clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. An advanced tree carries a lot of canopy on a freshly cut root system, so deep watering twice a week through the first two summers is not optional. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer.

Pruning. Very little is needed. Remove damaged wood, and lift the lower limbs only if you want to walk beneath. Leave them on if you are screening, because the skirt blocks the view.

What to expect when it arrives

This listing is the ex ground size, a field grown tree standing 5m to 5.5m. It arrives without a pot, lifted with a root ball, so plan the hole, the stakes and the water before it lands.

Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and a tree of this height needs machinery or several people to position. Expect a quiet first season while the root system rebuilds, then strong growth from the second year. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Magnolia care guide for Australian gardens
• Browse the full magnolia range
• See all ex ground advanced trees
• Comparing magnolia types and sizes

Common questions

What does ex ground mean?

Grown in a field rather than a pot and dug with a root ball when conditions suit. You get far more size for the money than container stock, in exchange for seasonal supply and a more demanding first year of watering.

How big will it get?

Around 9m tall and 5m wide is typical, though an old tree in ideal conditions can pass 12m. Plan on 8m to 10m and give it room rather than pruning it small.

How far apart for a screen?

Four metres apart in a single row. Any closer and the crowns compete and thin out at the base.

Is it safe around pets?

Yes. It is not toxic to cats or dogs, so fallen leaves and spent flowers on the lawn are not a concern.