Kobus magnolia, Northern Japanese Magnolia
Magnolia kobus

Family: Magnoliaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal.

Magnolia kobus is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Hills and bases of mountains all over Japan.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Flowers and flower buds - cooked. The leaves are eaten or used to make a tea. Older leaves are powdered and sprinkled on foods as a flavouring.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Treats headaches.

Other

Rating:

Wood - soft, light. Used for engraving, utensils, matches etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Firewood, Pest tolerant, Specimen. Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture. Succeeds in acid or neutral soils in sun or part shade. Fairly lime tolerant. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -28°c. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring. Plants take 10 - 15 years to flower after being planted out. The leaves are slightly aromatic. Very closely related to M. stellata, differing in having 3 narrow sepals and 6 - 9 broader petals. Special Features:Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Layering in early spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in early summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-7

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. precosissima. M. thurberi.