Millais Nurseries
Magnolias
Deciduous and evergreen large shrubs or feature size trees, many with nicely scented flowers in spring and summer. We have a great modern selection from around the world, including many new yellows which flower slightly later than the pinks and whites, and can avoid the frosts.
Magnolias prefer full sun, cool roots and shelter from strong winds. Plant in enriched soil, deeply worked, free draining, moisture retentive neutral to slightly acidic. After planting, feed with a good ericaceous fertilizer and mulch well. Apply slow release fertilizer every spring whilst the plant is establishing.
Magnolias were amongst the first plants on Earth to reproduce using flowers pollinated by insects. They are native to America and Asia, but not Europe. The Magnolia was named by Linnaeus in commemoration of Pierre Magnol, who was Louis XIV's doctor and a professor of Botany. Magnolia grandiflora was introduced into Britain from America in 1734. The first Magnolias from China arrived around 1780, and proved much hardier than those from America.
Magnolia Fairy Cream
Raised by the New Zealand breeder Mark Jury (who also brought us Magnolia Black Tulip), this wonderful new magnolia produces an abundance of cream flowers along the length of its stems in spring. Unlike many of the other spring-flowering types, the foliage of this magnolia is mainly evergreen, although it may shed its leaves in colder winters. It makes a fine stand-alone specimen, especially in smaller...
Magnolia Fairy White
Raised by the New Zealand breeder Mark Jury (who also brought us Magnolia Black Tulip), this wonderful new magnolia produces an abundance of white flowers along the length of its stems in spring. Unlike many of the other spring-flowering types, the foliage of this magnolia is mainly evergreen, although it may shed its leaves in colder winters. It makes a fine stand-alone specimen, especially in smaller...
Magnolia Genie
NEW and thought to be one of the best reds. Stunning dark purple burgundy red flowers at the end of April and sometimes again in late summer. Compact narrow growth on a conical plant. Expected height 3m x 1.5m in 10 years. Mature height 4-5m
Recommended for smaller gardens and striking flowers!
Easy to grow.
Ideal position: Most garden situations, with some shelter from cold winds.
Habit:...
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'
(H4) White, lightly scented flowers in the summer on a compact tree of columnar habit. Glossy leaves with a deep brown felt on the underside. Best in full sun. Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Requires moist acid soil. Height 200-400cm in 10 years.
Magnolia Livingstone
These trees sit at approximaltey 200-220cm not including the pot. They will come via Parcel Force on a 48 hour delivery due to height or they can be collected directly from the nursery.
(H5) Vivid dark purple-red flowers in April. Upright in habit, gradually becoming more rounded when mature. Best in a sheltered position in sun or light dappled shade. requires moist but well-drained acid or neutral...
Magnolia Shirazz
Images supplied and owned by Frank P Matthews
These trees sit at approximately 200-220cm not including the pot. They will come via Parcel Force on a 48 hour delivery due to height or they can be collected directly from the nursery.
Spectacular large rich burgundy red tulip shaped flowers that open out flat revealing a paler centre. April flowering. Bred in New Zealand, and considered one of the...
Magnolia Spectrum AGM
These 12l trees sit at approximaltey 200-220cm not including the pot. They will come via Parcel Force on a 48 hour delivery due to height or they can be collected directly from the nursery.
Gorgeous rich pinkish red flowers which are lighter on the inside on a small to medium size deciduous tree, flowering from mid-April to late May. It has an upright habit when young, but develops into a broad pyramidal...
Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' AGM
A selected clone of pure white large, star-shaped scented flowers in March and April. A native of Japan where it is found in mountain woodland, it is a slow growing small deciduous tree or large shrub which rarely exceeds 3m in height. Best in acid or neutral soil, in sun or part shade. Protect from late spring frosts when young. Known as the Star Magnolia, this plant is a seedling of Magnolia stellata...
Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' AGM
A selected form of Magnolia stellata with large pure white star-shaped scented flowers March and April. A slow growing shrub which rarely exceeds 3m in height. Protect from late spring frosts when young.
Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel' AGM
Lovely lilac buds open to beautiful star-like flowers with a pink flush. This is a very free flowering plant in April that makes a magnificent shrub or small tree. The flowers emerge before the foliage. An extremely popular shrub for the smaller garden that will perform best in full sun, and will tolerate any reasonable soil except waterlogged.
Magnolia kobus was hybridised with M.stellata by Max...
Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill' AGM
Gorgeous white scented flowers (up to 15cm wide) in late March and early April. This deciduous plant forms a large, spreading shrub or small to medium tree. It will perform best in full sun and in any reasonable soil except waterlogged. Magnolia kobus was hybridised with M.stellata by Max Loebner prior to 1914 to produce the Magnolia x loebneri cultivar. Diverse habits resulted and this is a great...