Lily magnolia

Profile

Family

Magnoliaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

3 m

Spread

4 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

50 years

First yield

after 3 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very moist

pH

5.6 – 7.6

Synonyms

M. obovata. non Thunb. M. purpurea. M. quinquepeta. (Buc-Holz.)Dandy. Lassonia quinquepeta.

Uses

Growing

This plant grows best in a warm location in moderately fertile, loose soil. It prefers neutral to acid soils but also tolerates alkaline soils, provided they are deep and humus-rich. On chalky or limestone soils it cannot grow. Since the branches are brittle, it needs a sheltered position. This species is considered fairly wind-resistant and is very tolerant of air pollution. The plants are hardy to about -20°C but require the protection of a wall in northern England. The fleshy roots are sensitive, so transplanting is best done in mild, moist weather in late spring. The flowers, which appear once the plant is less than a metre tall, smell delicious. The young wood is also aromatic.

Propagation

Seed – best sown directly after ripening in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cool over winter and sown in late winter in a cold frame. Germination usually occurs in spring but may take up to 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough and grow them on for at least the first winter in the cold frame or greenhouse in semi-shade. Once they are over 15 cm tall they can be planted out at their final position. They should, however, be well mulched and protected from frost in the first one to two winters outdoors. Layering in early spring.

Origin & habitat

Slopes and forest edges at elevations of 300 to 1600 metres in Fujian, Hubei, Sichuan and northwest Yunnan provinces.

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