Magnolia laevifolia (Small-leaf Chinese magnolia)

Botanical name

Magnolia laevifolia

Other names

Small-leaf Chinese magnolia, Michelia yunnanensis, Magnolia dianica

Genus

Magnolia Magnolia

Species

M. laevifolia - M. laevifolia is a borderline hardy, upright, open, evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, ovate to elliptic, semi-glossy, grey- to olive-green leaves and hairy, reddish-brown buds in autumn and winter opening to fragrant, cupped, white flowers in spring and summer.

Native to

China

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Flowers are sweetly fragrant

Habit

Open branches, Upright

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Colour

Flower

White in Spring; White in Summer

Foliage

Olive green, Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Scale insects

Specific diseases

Coral spot , Honey fungus

General care

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Magnolia laevifolia (Small-leaf Chinese magnolia) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 2m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, City, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Plant in moist, humus-rich soil. Protection may be needed from frosts and cold, drying winds.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Magnolia laevifolia (Small-leaf Chinese magnolia)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Phytophthora kernoviae

Type

Oomycete

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Pathogen of certain tree and shrub species; subject to a containment strategy the UK.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Magnolia laevifolia (Small-leaf Chinese magnolia)

Common pest name

Japanese long scale; Japanese maple scale; Long scale; Japanese; Pear white scale

Scientific pest name

Lopholeucaspis japonica

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Regulated only on Citrus at present; regulation on other hosts needs to be considered. Only likely to be a pest under glass in UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Magnolia laevifolia (Small-leaf Chinese magnolia)

Common pest name

; Apple bark beetle; Asian ambrosia beetle; Granulate ambrosia beetle

Scientific pest name

Xylosandrus crassiusculus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Ambrosia beetle which can affect a wide range of broadleaved trees; widespread in Africa; Asia and parts of the US; with outbreaks in France and Italy. The UK climate is unlikely to be suitable for the pest to thrive and cause significant damage but needs to be investigated through research. A Europe-wide PRA will help inform the case for EU regulation. Premises involved in importing wood and host plants from Italy in particular; where official measures are not being taken; should source material carefully.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/