Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Common name: Bull Bay / Southern Magnolia

Description: Magnolia grandiflora is one of the most magnificent evergreen trees in cultivation, prized for its large, glossy dark green leaves and successive production of enormous, creamy-white, bowl-shaped flowers with a powerful citrus fragrance from midsummer to early autumn. This classic cultivar is well suited to UK gardens where it is most reliably grown against a warm south- or west-facing wall, though named selections vary in their vigour and suitability for free-standing use. The bold, year-round foliage provides exceptional structure and the impressive flowers are a highlight of the late summer garden.

Other benefits: year-round evergreen structure; large fragrant summer flowers; bold architectural foliage; excellent against walls

Wildlife attraction: bees, beetles, and other pollinating insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 4–8m x 3–5m (varies by cultivar)

Position: full sun to partial shade; thrives against a warm wall; sheltered from cold drying winds

Soil pH: neutral to acid (pH 5.5–7.0); deep, fertile, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil

Moisture: moderate to moist; mulch well; water during dry periods in establishment years

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -15°C when established