Magnolia 'HEAVEN SCENT'

If you are on a hunt for a fragrant magnolia with profusion of flowers Heaven Scent must be heaven sent - for you. This magnolia is a cross between magnolia liliiflora and magnolia veitchii and bears medium pink, goblet-shaped flowers that are almost white inside and have such a lovely fragrance that makes it impossible to pass the plant without a hint of admiration. And unlike most other spring magnolias Heaven Scent continues flowering for as long as 4-6 weeks if the weather is not very hot in late spring.

The deciduous leaves are fresh green, glossy, broadly elliptic and densely cover the whole plant when in leaf. It grows upright when young and gets rounded only with age. Its ultimate size in Europe varies with location but on the average oscillate around 4m tall and wide.

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 3-12-2012