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chinese magnolia flower

The Chinese magnolia flower is a beloved choice in New Zealand gardens, prized for its breathtaking spring blooms and elegant form. Magnolias have a long history in both Chinese and horticultural tradition, often symbolising beauty, purity, and perseverance. Their fragrant, showy flowers range from soft whites and blush pinks to deeper purples, transforming gardens into a spectacle that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, the Chinese magnolia flower brings style, structure, and year-round interest to your outdoor space.

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Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy, white flowers through late spring and summer. The fragrant flowers are borne amidst the glossy, dark green leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop. It grows with a rounded habit to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide and responds well to trimming. Magnolia Jade Emperor makes for a lovely specimen and is commonly added to a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, or grown as a hedge.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

5 from 2 customers

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy, white flowers through late spring and summer. The fragrant flowers are borne amidst the glossy, dark green leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop. It grows with a rounded habit to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide and responds well to trimming. Magnolia Kay Parris makes for a lovely specimen and is commonly added to a mixed planting, planted around outdoor living areas, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, or grown as a hedge.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2

Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

From$343.89
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Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$299.92
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Magnolia Red As Red (Red As Red Magnolia)

Magnolia Red as Red bears masses of large and showy, dark red flowers through late winter and early spring. The flowers are borne on the naked stems...

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Magnolia grandiflora Russet

Magnolia grandiflora Russet is a striking evergreen tree known for its large glossy leaves with distinctive russet-coloured undersides. This unique...

From$343.89
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Magnolia Charles Raffill (Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill)

Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink and white flowers in spring. The lovely blooms are...

From$432.79
A stunning white Magnolia stellata flower.

Magnolia stellata

Magnolia stellata, commonly known as the Star Magnolia or Starry Magnolia, features dark pink flower buds that open in spring to reveal star-shaped...

From$299.92
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$343.89
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' white flower.

Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Growing to...

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Magnolia grandiflora Ferruginea

Magnolia grandiflora Ferruginea is an elegant evergreen magnolia tree known for its large, glossy green leaves with distinctive rusty-brown...

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A lovely Magnolia 'Lennei alba' specimen tree covered in white flowers.

Magnolia Lennei Alba

Magnolia 'Lennei Alba', commonly known as Saucer Magnolia, bears masses of large, showy, semi-double, fragrant, ivory-white flowers that are borne on...

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Abutilon hot pink: A vibrant pink flower with delicate petals and green leaves, adding a pop of color to any garden or floral arrangement.

Abutilon Hot Pink

Abutilon Hot Pink, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features showy, bright pink, lantern-shaped flowers. The...

From$26.93
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Magnolia Honey Tulip

Magnolia Honey Tulip is a striking deciduous tree known for its unique yellow tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. This elegant magnolia...

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Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
Exquisite Magnolia 'Genie' dark purple flowers.

Magnolia Genie

Magnolia 'Genie' is a compact, deciduous magnolia prized for its rich, burgundy-purple, tulip-shaped flowers, which bloom in early spring. This...

A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.

Magnolia Star Wars

Magnolia 'Star Wars' is a striking deciduous magnolia known for its large, star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink with pale interiors. Blooming...

From$343.89
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Abutilon White Gold (Chinese Lantern)

Abutilon White Gold, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features showy, white flowers with a yellow centre. This...

From$26.93
A dark pink Magnolia 'Cameo' flower on a young tree before the foliage emerges.

Magnolia Cameo

Magnolia 'Cameo' is a stunning deciduous magnolia prized for its upright, tulip-shaped flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring. The blooms are...

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Magnolia stellata Waterlily

Magnolia stellata Waterlily is a charming deciduous tree known for its unique double-petaled, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in early spring...

From$343.89
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Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Ulmus parvifolia, commonly known as the Chinese Elm, China Elm, or the Chinese Lacebark Elm Tree, is grown for its stature and colourful foliage. The...

From$205.02
strelitzia-reginae-mandelas-gold-

Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower)

Strelitzia reginae Mandelas Gold, commonly known as Yellow Crane Flower or Yellow Bird Of Paradise, produces spectacular yellow flowers through...

From$83.63
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Abutilon Orange

Abutilon Orange, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, Red Flowering Maple, or Parlour Maple, features showy, bright orange, lantern-shaped flowers...

From$26.93
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Magnolia Vulcan

Magnolia soulangeana Vulcan is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, rose-red flowers through late winter and...

From$299.92
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
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Magnolia DD Blanchard

Magnolia DD Blanchard is a compact deciduous magnolia tree known for its large, fragrant white flowers and attractive rounded habit. Ideal for...

From$343.89

Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

From$299.92
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Magnolia denudata Gere

Magnolia denudata Gere is a graceful deciduous tree known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in early spring. This cultivar adds...

From$343.89
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Chaenomeles Double Take Orange (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles Double Take Orange is a flowering Quince that features masses of orange flowers from late winter. At this time the shrub is an arching...

From$26.93
An exquisite Magnolia 'Iolanthe' two-tone pink flower.

Magnolia Iolanthe

Magnolia 'Iolanthe' is a stunning deciduous magnolia known for its large, goblet-shaped pink flowers with creamy interiors that bloom in early to...

From$343.89
Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Chaenomeles, Magnolia Strelitzia and Ulmus, or related Categories - Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search chinese magnolia flower

Origins and Appeal of the Chinese Magnolia Flower

Chinese magnolias, such as Magnolia soulangeana varieties, are known for their robust nature and extravagant flowers. Originating from China and neighbouring regions, these magnificent trees are a highlight in spring when they burst into a profusion of blooms before their leaves emerge. The Chinese magnolia flower is not only visually striking but also offers a gentle fragrance, making it a popular centrepiece tree in both formal and cottage-style gardens. Their adaptability means they thrive in a range of Kiwi climates, and their moderate growth rate makes them suitable for gardens both large and small.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the best from your Chinese magnolia flower, select a sunny to lightly shaded location sheltered from harsh winds. Magnolias love well-draining, slightly acidic soils enriched with organic matter. When planting, dig a generous hole and add compost to give the roots a strong start. Water regularly during establishment, especially in drier months, and mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. With the right care, your magnolia will reward you with floriferous displays and reliable growth for many years.

Magnolias are generally low-maintenance, but pruning after flowering helps to enhance their shape while removing any dead wood. Fertilising in early spring with a slow-release fertiliser will boost flowering and keep the plant healthy.

Popular Magnolia Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

If you’re looking for a beautiful addition to your landscape, explore these related varieties that thrive in New Zealand conditions:

The Perfect Magnolia for Your Garden

The Chinese magnolia flower is more than a garden plant—it’s a statement of elegance and a celebration of nature’s artistry. Whether you choose the dramatic blooms of Magnolia San Jose (Magnolia soulangeana San Jose) or the year-round greenery of Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor), you’ll be adding value and beauty to your outdoor space. Experience the timeless charm of magnolias and enjoy their remarkable flowers each spring.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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