False Magnolia
Michelia doltsopa and hybrids (MAGNOLIACEAE)
Planting and Growing False Magnolia Trees
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow false magnolia trees in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, pods, and seeds of false magnolia trees
- Growing conditions for false magnolia
- When to plant false magnolia
- How to plant false magnolia
- How to prune false magnolia
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of false magnolia
- Landscape uses of false magnolia
- Pest and disease control for false magnolia
Growing False Magnolia Trees
Several cultivars of slow-growing, long-lived, erect, narrow, evergreen trees, usually to 30 ft. (9 m) tall and 20–30 ft. (6–9 m) wide, with shiny, deep green, leathery, oval, pointed leaves, 4–8 in. (10–20 cm) long, and with smooth, gray brown bark.
False Magnolia are relatives in the same genus as true Magnolia species. One commonly cultivated cultivar hybrid is Michelia doltsopa X figo ‘Jack Fogg’.
Banana shrub, Michelia figo, is a closely related tropical species with similar care needs.
False Magnolia Planting and Care Guide
Flowering and Cones
Showy, fragrant, magnolia-like, cream, white, segmented flowers, 3–4 in. (75–100 mm) wide, in early spring before leaves emerge, form scaly seed cones in autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 5–11. Hardy.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich–average. 6.0–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full to filtered sun. Space 5–10 ft. (1.5–3 m) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep evenly moist. Fertilize annually in spring. Prune to shape. Propagate by cuttings, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, borders, containers in formal, small-space, woodland gardens. Pest and disease resistant.