Cameo Magnolia

Cameo Magnolia (Magnolia 'Cameo') is the deciduous magnolia for gardens with no room for a full sized tree. It reaches about 3m tall and only 2m wide, and the flowers open on bare wood in soft pink and cream, scented strongly enough to notice from across a courtyard. The roots are non-invasive, so it can sit near paving or live permanently in a large pot.

Why you'll love it

• Small enough for a courtyard. Roughly 3m by 2m at maturity, a third of the footprint of the classic garden magnolias, and it still reads as a proper flowering tree.
• Fragrant flowers on bare branches. Pink and cream blooms open before the leaves, so nothing competes with them. The scent carries several metres on a still morning.
• Roots that stay out of trouble. Non-invasive and fibrous, so it can go close to paths, driveways and services without the usual worry.
• Safe around pets, good for bees. Not toxic to cats or dogs, and an early nectar source when the garden has little else on offer.

Where it works best

Feature planting. One tree centred in a lawn, or set against a plain wall, gives a fortnight of flower each year that nothing else in a small garden matches.

Pots and containers. A pot 500mm or wider suits it, and container growing tends to hold it closer to 2m. Potted magnolias dry out quickly in summer, so be honest about the watering.

Growing Cameo Magnolia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the heaviest flowering, though it takes part shade with a lighter display. This is a cool temperate and warm temperate plant. It is frost hardy and humidity tolerant, but it wants a proper cold winter to set buds, so subtropical gardeners should expect fewer flowers.

Soil. Rich, well drained, slightly acidic soil with plenty of compost through the backfill. Waterlogging is the one thing it will not forgive, so raise the bed on heavy clay and mulch 75mm deep, clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then settle into a moderate schedule. Feed a complete slow release fertiliser once flowering has finished.

Pruning. Very little is needed, and heavy pruning costs you flowers. Tidy the shape immediately after flowering, before next season's buds form, and remove crossing or damaged wood.

What to expect when it arrives

It comes in two sizes. The 300mm pot is a young tree, often little more than a metre tall with two or three main stems and a modest first flowering. The 400mm is considerably more advanced with a formed framework, and it is the one to choose for presence in the first season.

Deciduous trees are often dispatched with few or no leaves depending on the season, which is normal and not a fault. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a quiet first year while the roots establish, and every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The complete guide to magnolia care in Australia
• Compare the best small magnolias for tight spaces
• Browse the full magnolia range
• More trees and shrubs sized for small gardens

Common questions

Can I grow it in a pot long term?

Yes, it is one of the better magnolias for containers. Use a pot at least 500mm wide with real drainage, refresh the top of the mix each spring, and expect it to hold at about 2m.

Why did my magnolia flower poorly this year?

The two usual causes are a mild winter and pruning at the wrong time. Buds form on the previous season's wood, so cutting in autumn or winter removes the flowers.

How close can I plant it to a path or wall?

Closer than you could with most trees. The roots are non-invasive and fibrous, so about a metre of clearance from hard surfaces keeps both the paving and the tree happy.