How The Plant A Shady Gardens With Lots Of Trees

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A magnolia tree in full bloom is one of the glories of spring, whether it's a mature tree festooned with large cup-shaped flowers or a compact shrub smothered in starry blossom.

At a time when the rest of the garden is stirring into life with emerging spring flowers, bulbs and perennials, the magnolia is putting on a stunning display in colours that range from purest white through to creams and yellows, and to every shade of pink, rich reds and purples.

Magnolias are among our most ancient plants, with fossil records dating back a hundred million years. Because they predate the arrival of bees and other flying insects, they're pollinated by beetles and are generally untroubled by pests – although it's said they were once grazed by dinosaurs!

Deciduous options

The majority of spring-flowering magnolias are deciduous. Most frequently planted are the spreading soulangeanas and the bushy stellata varieties. Soulangeana comes in many different flower colours and grows well in most urban environments and soil types, but it can outgrow smaller spaces. For small gardens, the more petite and delicate Japanese Magnolia stellata is perfect, and can also be grown in containers. It produces showy white flowers in spring that resemble a star and it's also slightly fragrant.

If you want something a bit different, then 'Pinkie' is medium-sized with rosy pink flowers, while 'Margaret Helen' is a large upright shrub with deep rose-pink flowers.

a beautiful magnolia branch in full blossom

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rhs garden, wisley, surrey magnolia milky way spring, flower

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Evergreen choice

There are also now a number of spring-flowering evergreens that provide more cheery colour throughout the year, and are particularly good for wall-training. The Fairy range is one example and these are perfect for growing in pots. In really cold winters, they may shed their leaves.

How to be successful with magnolias

• Take your time when choosing your magnolia – these trees can live for a hundred years, so you want to be sure the one you pick is the right size and colour. Buy from specialist growers for the best quality and widest choice.

• Most magnolias will flower prolifically when placed in a sunny position, but be prepared for late frosts that can turn flowers brown overnight.

• Magnolias are shallow-rooted and will grow well in small beds and close to houses where their roots won't damage foundations, but avoid planting them where the ground is regularly cultivated, as their fleshy roots don't like to be disturbed.

• It's good to plant in the autumn while the soil temperature is high, although magnolias can be planted throughout the spring.

Magnolia trees to buy

Magnolia × soulangeana

magnolia crocus.co.uk

£24.99

Magnolia stellata

magnolia crocus.co.uk

£26.99

Magnolia liliiflora Plant - Nigra

Magnolia stellata 'Rosea'

Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Yellow Bird'

thompson & morgan thompson-morgan.com

£21.99

Magnolia 'Red Lucky' (Standard)

Magnolia 'Fairy Cream'

thompson & morgan thompson-morgan.com

£19.99

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