Magnolia wilsonii (Wilson's Magnolia, Oyama Magnolia)


Michael's Opinion

M. wilsonii is an aesthetically pleasing shrub with drooping white flowers, crimson stamens and clean ovate leaves. It is easy to grow; since, it is low maintenance, pest and disease free. M. wilsonii is also on the Red List of Magnolia endangered species.

Botanical Information

FamilyMagnoliaceae
GenusMagnolia
Specieswilsonii
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
OriginThe genus Magnolia is named after Pierre Magnol, a French botanist who lived from 1638 to 1715. Native to China, found in the eastern provinces of Guizhou, Sichaun and northern Yunnan. Discovered by the great plant hunter E. H. Wilson in 1904 but it was not introduced into cultivation until 4 years later when he managed to collect seed.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-15) - (-1)
Temperature (°F)5 - 30
Height4-8 m
Spread4-8 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLarge deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to China with ovate leaves and cup like white flowers (up to 10 cm in width). The flowers are highly scented and are dominated by crimson red stamens.
ID CharacteristicSkinny ovate leaves with hanging white flowers and crimson red stamen.
ShapeIt is a slow growing tree reaching 8 m in height with an equal spread, forming a rounded to mounded form.
LandscapeSuited as an accent or focal point to the landscape preferably in places where soil is fertile and well draining. Ideally suited to woodland type or large border plantings.
PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in autumn or stratify at 5° for three months. Layering or grafting as opposed to cuttings is more successful.
CultivationMagnolia wilsonii grows in soils ranging from a pH of 5.5–7.5 and is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers fertile, moist soils.
PestsGenerally pest and disease free.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatMoist mountain forests and thickets at an altitude of 1,900-3,300 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGreen in colour with a bumpy texture.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionVery fuzzy, 1–1.5 cm long flower buds with a brown-green colour.
Leaf DescriptionObtuse shaped leaves.
Flower DescriptionHanging bowl or cup shaped flowers with white petals and a crimson red stamen which are produced sporadically over several months in late spring to early summer. The flowers produce a pleasant fragrance and are about 10 cm in size. Plants begin to flower after about six years.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is green when immature, turing red when it ripens. It is about 6 cm long and 2 cm in diameter and can look quite attractive on the plant when produced in quantity. The seed is released in early to mid-autumn, often seen hanging from white threads attached to the fruit.
Colour DescriptionBrown bark, dark green leaves, white flower petals with a crimson stamen.
Texture DescriptionSmooth leaves, soft flower pedals, fuzzy buds and generally smooth bark.

Photographs