Magnolia kobus

Common name: Kobus Magnolia

Description: Magnolia kobus is a graceful, ultimately large deciduous tree native to Japan, producing masses of elegant, slightly nodding white flowers with a light fragrance on bare branches in early to mid-spring. Young trees can take several years to flower freely, but once established the display is spectacular, with the tree smothered in blossom before the leaves emerge. The tiered branch structure develops considerable beauty and character with age, and the autumn foliage turns an attractive golden yellow before leaf fall. A refined and long-lived magnolia for larger gardens.

Other benefits: elegant tiered habit; attractive golden autumn foliage; long-lived specimen tree; lightly fragrant spring flowers

Wildlife attraction: bees and other early-emerging pollinating insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 5m x 4m; ultimately to 10m+

Position: full sun to partial shade; sheltered from late frosts; most effective as a freestanding specimen

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

Moisture: moderate; mulch well and water in dry periods until established

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C