Cinderella Princess Magnolia

Cinderella Princess Magnolia (Magnolia laevifolia 'Cinderella') is an evergreen, slim-growing hedging shrub or small tree that reaches 3m to 5m tall and just 1m to 2m wide. Scented, cup-shaped, all-cream flowers open twice a year, in winter to spring and again in summer to autumn. Without the purple veil that most michelias wear, the blooms are a clean cream-lemon, and the plant is cold hardy.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers twice a year. Cream-lemon buds open into scented cup-shaped flowers in winter to spring and again in summer to autumn.
• Perfumed. The scent suits a courtyard, path or window where you can enjoy it.
• Slim and upright. At 1m to 2m wide, it fits tight boundaries and narrow beds where wider shrubs cannot.
• Evergreen privacy. Dark green leaves hold all year, so a hedge keeps its screen through winter.
• Cold hardy. It copes with cold winters, so it is a good magnolia for cooler gardens as well as mild ones.

Where it works best

Hedging and screening. Plant 1m apart in a single row for a tall, slim privacy hedge. Prune harder to keep it at the height you want.

Feature tree. Left to grow naturally, it makes a lovely small tree with a slender shape, ideal for courtyards and entries.

Winter and scented gardens. Pair it with hellebores, winter flowering quince and spring bulbs for a planting that is full of interest in the cooler months.

Growing Cinderella Princess Magnolia in Australia

Position and climate. A full sun to partly shaded position, sheltered from strong wind. It is cold hardy and suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens.

Soil. Free-draining soil rich in organic matter. Dig in compost at planting and mulch well.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, especially until it is established, and keep up the water and mulch during dry periods.

Pruning. Lightly prune in early spring to retain its shape, or hard prune it to keep a privacy hedge at the height you want.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cinderella Princess Magnolia as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. A tube is the budget way to plant a hedge. Plant out soon after arrival, mulch, and water in well. A hedge from tube stock takes patience, but it fills in steadily.

Our tube stock is grown for us and is not always on the shelf. A tube marked sold out means the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Michelias and port wine magnolia
• Hedging and screening plants
• The michelia care guide
• Hellebores to plant beneath

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 1m apart in a single row. It is slim, at 1m to 2m wide, so plants meet and make a tall, slim hedge.

Is it a michelia or a magnolia?

Both. Michelias have been merged into the magnolia genus, so Cinderella carries the botanical name Magnolia laevifolia and is still widely sold as a michelia.

Does it need shelter?

Yes, from strong wind. Give it a spot with some protection and it will carry its scented flowers well.