Magnolia campbellii
Family: Magnoliaceae
What it is like
Magnolia campbellii is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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 and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 20
Where it is found
Temperate rain forests between 2400 - 3000 metres in the Himalayas.
E. Asia - Himalayas to S.W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - very soft. Used in construction and for making furniture.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture. Prefers a deep rich moist acid soil. Succeeds in an acid or neutral humus-rich soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates an alkaline soil if it is deep and rich in humus. Plants dislike dry winds. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required. Grows well in a sunny position in a woodland garden. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Plants prefer moist summers. Dormant plants are hardy to about -10°c, but the flower buds are often killed back by late frosts. Another report says that the buds are hardy when tightly closed, but are liable to frost damage once they start to open. A very ornamental plant. Trees take at least 20 years from seed before they flower. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring.
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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist