Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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port wine magnolia varieties

If you're searching for a captivating evergreen shrub with intoxicating fragrance, port wine magnolia varieties are an excellent choice for gardens throughout New Zealand. These hardy plants are famed for their glossy leaves and deliciously scented flowers, making them an ideal choice for low-maintenance hedges, feature shrubs, or even container planting. Let's explore the different types of port wine magnolia varieties and discover which may be the perfect fit for your garden.

Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia)

Michelia figo, commonly known as the Port Wine Magnolia, is a compact evergreen tree prized for its delightfully fragrant, cream-white flowers and glossy foliage. Ideal for hedging, screening, or as a specimen tree, it brings year-round beauty and subtle perfume to New Zealand gardens. This hardy and low-maintenance plant thrives in well-drained soil and adds elegance to both formal and informal landscapes.

Buy Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia)

From $33.68

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Winter

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Ajuga 'Port Wine'

Ajuga 'Port Wine' brings deep wine coloured foliage and vivid blue flower spikes to NZ gardens, creating a rich tapestry of colour in shaded and semi shaded areas. This hardy ground cover spreads steadily to form a dense carpet that suppresses weeds and adds year round interest. It is ideal for borders, underplanting trees, or filling gaps between shrubs. Ajuga 'Port Wine' is an easy care plant that offers striking colour and dependable performance.

Buy Ajuga 'Port Wine'

From $18.23

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 20 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, Woodland

What is Port Wine Magnolia?

The classic port wine magnolia is botanically known as Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia). This treasured evergreen shrub is beloved for its dense form and distinctive, cup-shaped flowers. The blooms emit a sweet fragrance reminiscent of ripe fruit, especially noticeable in the early evening or after rain. A popular choice for hedging, Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia) grows up to 2-3 metres high and requires minimal pruning, thriving best in sheltered positions with well-drained soil.

Popular Port Wine Magnolia Varieties

While Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia) is the most well-known species, gardeners have several appealing options to consider:

Magnolia Old Port

A standout among port wine magnolia varieties, Magnolia Old Port is a compact selection ideal for modern gardens or container planting. 'Old Port' boasts luxurious, dark-edged petals with a rich, wine-toned hue, giving your garden a unique and sophisticated touch. Its upright habit and dense growth create a beautiful, formal look while delivering the same sweet fragrance loved in traditional varieties.

Magnolia Kay Parris

Though not a port wine magnolia in the strict sense, Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris) offers glossy green foliage and creamy, highly fragrant flowers. If you love the look and scent of port wine magnolia varieties but want larger blooms and a bolder ornamental statement, ‘Kay Parris’ is a stunning alternative. Its tidy, columnar structure makes it well-suited for feature plantings or as a taller hedge.

Related Magnolias and Companion Choices

If you’re keen to experiment beyond the classic port wine magnolia varieties, consider exploring other fragrant magnolias like the graceful Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia). Sweetbay magnolia brings delicate white flowers and a subtle, lemony perfume, making it a wonderful backdrop or companion to your port wine magnolia selections.

For groundcover underplanting, Ajuga varieties are a clever complement. Ajuga 'Port Wine' offers lush, purple-tinged foliage and spikes of deep blue flowers. The colour echoes the tones of the ‘Old Port’ variety and brings year-round interest to your garden beds.

Choosing the Right Port Wine Magnolia for Your Garden

When selecting among port wine magnolia varieties, consider your desired garden purpose. Whether you want to create a dense hedge, a fragrant border, or a striking specimen plant, there’s a variety to suit your needs. All port wine magnolias enjoy sheltered sites, plenty of sun, and fertile, free-draining soil.

Explore our full selection of Michelia figo (Portwine Magnolia), Magnolia Old Port, and Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris) to find the ideal match for your landscape. Add depth and fragrance with related choices such as Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia) and underplant with Ajuga 'Port Wine' for a truly unforgettable garden display.

Contact us

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.