Magnolia sieboldii are flowers with crimson-purple centres that are richly scented and cup-shaped, and make a stunning display. From May to July, and possibly into August, the plant is covered in these lovely, gently nodding flowers. In the autumn, crimson fruit clusters appear. This deciduous, slow-growing shrub ultimately becomes a spreading tree in the UK, so give it plenty of room. Before the flowers, oval-elliptic dark green leaves with a paler grey-green underside and downy undersides appear. Magnolia sieboldii blooms and buds later than many Magnolia species. Height and spread: to 6m (20′).
Growing Information
Plant magnolias in a sunny or semi shaded position with protection from cold winds and hard spring frosts. Magnolias prefer a rich, moist, well drained, acid to neutral soil. Incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost to improve the soil prior to planting, mixing it thoroughly and deeply. Magnolia plants establish quicker when their roots are shaded. Following planting, apply a mulch of rotted bark chips, manure or garden compost, taking care not to mound it around the stem of the plant.
