The plant with goblet-like blooms fit for an emperor! Magnolia ‘Emperor’ is an impressive tree known for producing blooms that span up to 25cm – now, how much wine could you fit in a goblet that size?!

How to grow Magnolia ‘Emperor’ Flowering time: Mid to late spring, and may repeat-flower in summer Location: City and courtyard gardens, cottage gardens, borders and beds Soil: Moist but well-draining soil Light: Full sun to partial shade Water: Water while establishing and throughout dry spells Care: Minimal pruning required Size: 8m ultimate height and 4m ultimate spread

What’s different about Magnolia ‘Emperor’?

This petite-yet-impactful tree has large, deep pink-purple flowers that appear in mid to late spring and, remarkably for a magnolia, often bless the garden with a second bloom in summer. These impressive flowers, paired with glossy green leaves, make ‘Emperor’ as standout as a member of the royal family in both borders and containers!

How was Magnolia ‘Emperor’ created?

Vance Hooper of Magnolia Grove in Taranaki, New Zealand, gives us this insight on the creation of ‘Emperor’: “Magnolia ‘Emperor’ was raised from a cross between Magnolia ‘Felix Jury’ and Magnolia ‘Genie’ as a pollen parent. It was part of a batch we raised after visiting the UK and Europe in 2006. It was planted out in 2008 as a one year seedling along the edge of one of the nursery blocks.

“It first flowered in 2011 as a four-year plant and as it was at the edge of the block it stood there with the alluring rich red colour drawing our eyes to it. As is often the case with a good seedling it seems to call out to you by drawing your attention. We were able to see it at different times of the day and the colour was irresistible.

“It was first sent out for trials in 2014 to Europe and North America. The colour was the first draw card as it has the same intensity as ‘Genie’ both inside and out , but with much more substance. The variety keeps improving with age and the summer flowering helps to reduce the overall size of the plant so it becomes a compact small tree.

“Again we have been lucky with ‘Emperor’ as the colour is very stable compared with some of the other red hybrids on the market.”

Where can you plant Magnolia ‘Emperor’?

Ideal for a sheltered position in full sun, Magnolia ‘Emperor’ thrives in slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil. It is versatile, tolerant of most soils, and fits seamlessly into a range of garden settings. Whether planted in a border or grown in a container on a terrace or balcony (keeping in mind consistent watering), this magnolia brings its monarchic magnificence wherever it stands. At an average height of five metres, it’s perfectly suited for landscaping projects or as a statement tree in smaller spaces.

While ‘Emperor’ requires minimal pruning, a little springtime care will keep it thriving. Removing broken or crossing branches ensures healthy growth, and a mulch of manure or leaf mould in spring will keep the soil rich, especially in dry conditions. For best results, be sure to plant it out of strong winds and away from frost pockets to protect its delicate early buds.

Where can you buy Magnolia ‘Emperor’?

Magnolia ‘Emperor’ is available in the UK from Paramount Plants, in the EU from Vallonchene, and from Magnolia Grove in New Zealand.

Plant of the Month is sponsored by Plantipp, a company based in The Netherlands who handle the introduction of new plants into Europe.

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Images courtesy of Plantipp.