General Description | Large 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 Characteristic | Skinny ovate leaves with hanging white flowers and crimson red stamen. |
Shape | It is a slow growing tree reaching 8 m in height with an equal spread, forming a rounded to mounded form. |
Landscape | Suited 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. |
Propagation | Sow seed in a cold frame in autumn or stratify at 5° for three months. Layering or grafting as opposed to cuttings is more successful. |
Cultivation | Magnolia 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. |
Pests | Generally pest and disease free. |
Notable Specimens | Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. |
Habitat | Moist mountain forests and thickets at an altitude of 1,900-3,300 m. |
Bark/Stem Description | Green in colour with a bumpy texture. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Very fuzzy, 1–1.5 cm long flower buds with a brown-green colour. |
Leaf Description | Obtuse shaped leaves. |
Flower Description | Hanging 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 Description | The 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 Description | Brown bark, dark green leaves, white flower petals with a crimson stamen. |
Texture Description | Smooth leaves, soft flower pedals, fuzzy buds and generally smooth bark. |