Magnolia grandiflora

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Bull bayShrub, EvergreenFamily: Magnoliaceae

Height: 6mSpread: 2m
Half hardy

Flower colour:

White

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full shade

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back, middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Bull bay, Magnolia grandiflora, is a large shrub or small tree. It makes a superb architectural specimen and gives year-round interest with enormous, glossy, evergreen leaves and huge exotic-looking summer flowers. Magnolia grandiflora tolerates hard pruning, can be trimmed to shape or trained against a vertical surface. Or simply grow as a free-standing tree where it will ultimately reach a height of around 10m.

Unlike many magnolias, Magnolia grandiflora will tolerate a wide range of soil types, but will do best in a moist but well-drained soil. It grows quite slowly so buy the biggest specimen you can afford.

Grow Magnolia grandiflora as a free-standing tree, either un-pruned or trimmed to a pyramidal shape, or train against a fence, wall, or vertical framework. In cold areas, train against a warm south- or west-facing wall where the ‘storage heater’ effect of the wall mitigates hard frosts. Feed annually, in early spring, with a general fertilizer, and prune in mid-spring if required. Mulch with compost in autumn.

Where to buy Magnolia grandiflora

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Buy your Magnolia grandiflora from a reputable source and check the leaves for signs of damage or disease before buying or, if buying online, planting.

Magnolia ‘Grandiflora’ and wildlife

Magnolia ‘Grandiflora’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Magnolia ‘Grandiflora’ poisonous?

Magnolia ‘Grandiflora’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People