Fairy Cream Magnolia - Magnolia hybrida Fairy Cream

Magnolia hybrida 'Fairy Cream' is a stunning new hybrid Michelia bred to produce masses of beautifully fragrant creamy-white flowers in early spring. So extraordinarily free-flowering that it carries a flower bud at every single leaf axil, this exceptional plant transforms into a breathtaking cloud of cream and fragrance each spring with a welcome bonus flush of flowers often appearing in summer too.

Unlike traditional magnolias, Fairy Magnolia Cream is a compact, bushy evergreen with rich, dense green foliage that looks attractive year round, not just at flowering time. Growing to approximately 3-4m in height and 1.2-2m in width, its upright, shrub-like habit makes it one of the most versatile flowering plants available equally at home as a fragrant flowering hedge, a formal specimen, a courtyard feature, or a container plant for a patio or balcony.

The creamy-white flowers are sweetly fragrant and make excellent cut flowers, bringing the scent of the garden indoors. Low maintenance, adaptable to a wide range of soils and positions, and generally trouble free, Fairy Magnolia Cream is a plant that delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.

Key Features:

• Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soil types provided drainage is adequate. Prefers a well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Avoid waterlogged or compacted soils which can stress the root system and reduce flowering.
• Light: Full sun to semi-shade. Flowering is most prolific in a position with good light. In semi-shade, the plant will still flower well but may produce slightly fewer blooms. Avoid deep shade which will significantly reduce the flower display.
• Watering: Medium to moderate water needs. Keep moist during dry periods, particularly in the first two seasons after planting while the root system establishes. Once established, it is reasonably self-sufficient but benefits from supplemental watering during extended dry spells in summer.
• Fertiliser: Apply an annual slow-release fertiliser in spring at the start of the growing season. A balanced formulation suitable for flowering shrubs and trees is ideal. Avoid over-fertilising with high-nitrogen products which can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance. Mulch well around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Light pruning after the main spring flowering flush helps maintain a tidy, bushy form and encourages fresh new growth. Generally trouble free with no significant pest or disease issues.
• Flowering: Flowers in early spring, producing masses of sweetly fragrant creamy-white blooms at every leaf axil for an extraordinarily prolific display. A light secondary flush of flowers often occurs in summer. Flowers are highly fragrant and excellent for cutting. Fruit is insignificant.

For the most spectacular spring flowering display, plant Fairy Magnolia Cream in the best-lit position available in your garden. The more light this plant receives, the more flower buds it will set and given that it already produces a bud at every single leaf axil, a well-lit specimen in full flower is truly breathtaking. Cutting stems for indoor arrangements also encourages fresh new growth and more flower buds for the following season.

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.