Common Name:
Evergreen Magnolia, Laurel Magnolia, Southern Magnolia
Description:
One the most beautiful and grandest of the evergreen trees. Native to South Eastern USA they thrive in rich swamplands. A large tree admired for its large glossy green leaves with distinctive rusty-brown suede like underneath’s. Impressive flowers as well.
Flower:
Large waxy white flowers are produced through summer and autumn. Highly fragrant.
Size:
In nature these aristocrats of the tree world can grow to 20m+. In suburban setting you can keep them to any size with regular pruning. 7m x 5m in 10 years.
Growing Conditions:
They are an acid loving plant similar to Camellia, Rhododendron and Azaleas.
Plant in moisture rententive soil that is free draining. They like water but not to drown in it.
They like a sunny spot and do best when their roots are cool so mulch well. Protect from strong winds as this can cause the leaves to burn at the edges. They will tolerate the odd battering but will look best if planted out of the prevailing wind.
Stake well once planted to prevent them snapping.
Care:
Rarely bothered by pest or disease. Can get a leaf spot which is controlled with a suitable fungicide.
Prune as necessary to control shape and size. Far easier to do regular trimming of thinner branches than having to prune heavily.
Poor growth and/ or unhealthy appearance is usually because of poor soil or climate conditions.
Uses:
- A beautiful tree for large back yards or as a street tree in sheltered locations.
- A great avenue tree for driveways where room allows.
- Can be pruned hard to create tall hedges. Often used in American golf courses like this. Or to create a pleached hedge - a hedge with a clear stem.