Plant of the Week
Magnolia denudata
Each week, OGV sub-committee member, Gayle Parkes presents the 'Plant of the Week'. She also posts to OGV's Instagram - make sure you check back weekly for her latest post. This week Gayle brings us Magnolia denudata, showing off large and luscious white blooms on bare wood right now.
Probably the oldest magnolia under cultivation, Magnolia denudata or Yulan Magnolia, is one of the most beloved of all magnolias. Being native to central and eastern China, it has been cultivated in Chinese Buddhist temple gardens since 600 AD. Its flowers were regarded as a symbol of purity in the Tang Dynasty, and it was planted in the grounds of the Emperor's palace.
For me, these words are magical…. Yulan Magnolia, Chinese Buddhist temple gardens, Tang Dynasty, Emperor’s palace…conjuring up such visions, so exotic, so romantic…and then to see these words come to tangible evidence in Annie’s garden, just a few weeks ago when seeing the big fat buds of her much loved and highly anticipated Magnolia denudata, it truly was a sight to behold.
A stunning deciduous specimen tree, M. denudata is blatantly showing off her magnificent ivory white, large goblet shaped luscious blooms on bare branches right now…. in late winter. Releasing a subtle citrus scent into the air, she rewards us for choosing such a beauty to engage the senses in our particular patch, wherever that may be. After flowering, with its domed crown of dark green leaves above and lighter tones on the undersides, M. denudata provides beautiful summer shade. It is a slow growing erect tree with a short trunk and many lateral branches, often becoming broader with age.
This beautiful magnolia prefers sunny positions with protection from hot western sun, winds and heavy frosts. It can tolerate part sun positions, but flowering will be reduced. It does prefer well drained soils that have been improved with organic matter but then again, have you ever known a plant that doesn’t enjoy these perfect conditions? If I had followed this edict over my 40 years of gardening I would have had nothing to show for my efforts! We can only do our best…
This particular magnolia has a non-invasive, shallow root system, making it suitable to plant closer to buildings. It is very important therefore to mulch the shallow feeding roots to protect them from drying out and do be careful when weeding or digging so as not to damage these roots. It can be pruned after flowering, really only to improve the shape or to remove crossing branches. If it is necessary, remove the entire shoot, rather than just shortening it as shortened shoots tend to become stunted and do spoil the visual aspect of the bones of the tree when bare. Keep it moist to avoid leaf burn and feed with a complete fertiliser after flowering, until established, then only to invigorate an old plant.
Magnolia denudata is an amazing sight at the end of winter, when its masses of dove-like white flowers form on the bare stems. Just look at these fabulous photographs… M. denudata is a tree that can stand stately on its own, demanding pride of place in small, medium or large gardens. For those of us with tiny or courtyard gardens, as the growth rate is fairly slow we can grow these spectacular delights in a large container. I’m the lucky one though as I can visit the perfect specimen, any time I want in non-Covid times, and my dear gardening friend will sit me on her deck with a cuppa in prime M. denudata viewing position to wonder and just soak it in…