Magnolia 'J.C.WILLIAMS'

J.C.Williams is a spectacular hybrid magnolia, a cross between m.campbellii and M. sargentiana var. Robusta, both of which are supposed to be the most beautiful magnolias ever. It produces very large flowers of pure pink colour outside and light pink inside. They can be up to 28 cm across. Flowering occurs in early spring on bare wood.

This variety is rare and there are a few larger trees in some arboretums where in the right time of spring stands a queue of photographers eager to capture a photo showing the best of this diva. I myself found a picture of it so stunning we used it in 2009 for our billboard advertising campaign.

The deciduous leaves are fresh green, ovate to obovate and densely cover the whole plant when in leaf. It grows fast when young, slowing down as it matures. Ultimate height and width under excellent conditions is estimated as 8m, in our country it may reach about 6m.

Magnolias are not supposed to be pruned. You can prune old shrubs if ill, or trim them to shape or to reduce size, or make an elementary cut to young plants of unsightly or unhealthy appearance. Do this as soon as possible after flowering to secure setting of flower buds for the following year. Be aware that each magnolia can respond differently to pruning.

Deciduous magnolias are quite easy plants. All they need is light, well-drained, acidic soil with equal moisture throughout the year. Once established they can do with occasional drought but will not look as nice as the ones with regular watering. Just pay attention to how to plant your magnolia. First, find it a spot where it will live forever and ever. It does not like transplanting. And as it makes shallow roots reaching well over its spread stay away from disturbing the roots by digging or messing about around it. Just cover the soil with bark mulch and do not plant anything else near it after say the second year after planting onwards. You could damage the very important top roots that absorb maximum moisture and nutrients from the soil. Also avoid planting magnolia too deep. It is hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update: 15-09-2010