Magnolia officinalis

Magnolia officinalis is a deciduous, impressive Chinese botanical species known for the size of its leaves and flowers. It forms a true small tree with leaves grouped in clusters at the ends of the branches. In late spring, very large flowers with a fragrant scent appear on a mature subject. It is not commonly planted in Western gardens but can be grown like a large rhododendron in deep and loose neutral to acidic soil that remains moist.

In the magnolia family, Magnolia officinalis is one of the most beautiful species. It is a robust and elegantly shaped small, deciduous, perfectly hardy tree, often with multiple stems, developing a regular and sparsely branched crown, conical overall and rounding with age. The officinalis subspecies, with its oval and entire leaves, differs from the biloba subspecies, which has leaves with two lobes at their blunt ends. Native to central China, it is highly valued in the country for its medicinal properties.

In our climates, Magnolia officinalis generally reaches a height of 8-10 m with a spread of 7-8 m. Its growth is quite rapid once it is well established. Its bark is brown to ash grey, thick and wrinkled, but does not crack with age. It becomes scaly at the base of the trunk on mature subjects. The young branches are smooth. In spring, the large buds open into wide, oval leaves measuring up to 50 cm in length and 25 cm in width. The upper surface of the blade is a tender green, strongly veined and slightly shiny. The leaves are arranged in clusters (whorls) at the ends of the branches. Flowering occurs from May to June, depending on the climate. The flowers, sometimes reaching 20 cm in diameter, consist of 9 to 12, white to cream-white petals. They have a pronounced and pleasant, fruity fragrance typical of magnolia flowers. After pollination, reddish pink fruits form, gathered in decorative cones measuring 10 to 13 cm in length. They contain red seeds. Before falling, the foliage takes on beautiful shades of brown to brick red.

Magnolia officinalis is suitable for planting in medium-sized gardens or parks, if the soil type and climate allow. It will be highlighted as a standalone specimen in the middle of a lawn, or at the back of a lower shrub bed. It pairs well with large Rhododendrons and Chinese Azaleas that thrive in similar conditions. Beautiful trees like Henry's Lime (Tilia henryana) will accompany it during its flowering. The Caramel Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) or Hamamelis 'Yamina' will enhance its foliage with magnificent autumn colours.