There are two very different white magnolias. One flowers on bare branches in late winter, with tulip-shaped cups of pure white. The other is the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora, with dinner-plate flowers in summer, from about December to February, and a lemony scent.
Whites worth knowing
- Magnolia denudata, often called the Yulan or lily tree, is a deciduous white that opens in late winter.
- Magnolia stellata, the star magnolia, has narrow, strappy white petals and stays small.
- Magnolia grandiflora has creamy white flowers up to 20 cm wide against glossy leaves, a favourite in larger gardens.
- Some soulangeana hybrids are white, flushed pink at the base.
White and frost
White petals brown quickly after a frost, and a bruise shows at once. In colder districts such as Canberra, the highlands and Tasmania, a late frost can spoil a whole display. Plant where morning sun does not strike frozen petals, and choose later-flowering forms. On the warm coast, frost is rarely a worry.
A strong backdrop
White magnolia shows best against a dark hedge, wall or deep green foliage. Evergreen leaves are also cut for wreaths and arrangements, especially at Christmas.
Branches indoors
Cut branches with fat buds in late winter and bring them indoors, where they open over several days. The petals bruise when handled.
Petals on the lawn
The ASPCA lists southern magnolia as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, so a fallen petal is not a poisoning matter. Large mouthfuls of any plant can still cause stomach upset.
