Magnolia Alba - 25cm Pot

Magnolia × alba, commonly known as White Champaca, is an attractive evergreen tree admired for its highly fragrant cream-coloured flowers, fresh lime-green foliage and elegant upright growth habit.

Popular throughout South East Asia, where it is traditionally associated with good luck, this beautiful magnolia is particularly valued for its remarkable fragrance.

From spring through to autumn, Magnolia × alba produces delicate, cream-coloured flowers with an intensely sweet perfume. The fragrance is highly prized and has been used extensively in the perfume industry for its aromatic essential oil.

Its strong, upright growth habit and attractive lime-green foliage make it a lovely feature tree, providing a fresh contrast against darker green plants.

The flowers' fragrance can carry through the surrounding garden, making Magnolia × alba particularly appealing when planted near outdoor entertaining areas, garden pathways or close to the home.

Although evergreen, the tree may temporarily drop some foliage when stressed by cold, drought or other unfavourable conditions, before producing fresh growth when conditions improve.

Mature size: approximately 10 metres high × 4 metres wide.

Care & Growing Tips
Position: Plant in full sun to part shade. Choose a warm, sheltered position protected from strong winds and frost, particularly in Melbourne's cooler climate.

Soil: Prefers fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, the tree has moderate drought tolerance but benefits from supplementary watering during extended dry periods and Melbourne's hot summers.

Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base annually to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and improve soil conditions. Keep mulch clear of the trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a general-purpose fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth, following the manufacturer's directions.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead, damaged or diseased growth. Avoid excessive pruning to preserve its natural upright habit.

Frost Protection: Magnolia × alba is sensitive to frost and cold winds. In Melbourne, plant in a protected microclimate, ideally near a warm, sheltered wall or within an established garden offering protection.

Plant Health: Temporary leaf drop can occur when the tree experiences environmental stress. Maintain consistent moisture and suitable growing conditions to encourage healthy new growth.

Ideal for
— Feature and specimen tree planting
— Fragrant garden designs
— Tropical and subtropical-style gardens
— Sheltered courtyards and larger gardens
— Planting near outdoor entertaining areas
— Garden pathways and entrances
— Growing near the home to enjoy its fragrance
— Creating height and structure in garden beds
— Gardens with contrasting foliage colours
— Warm, protected garden positions
— Spring to autumn flowering interest
— Melbourne gardens with suitable frost protection