Southern Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora 'Coolwyn Gloss'

• Highly glossy, dark green leaves provide year round foliage interest and a luxuriant, polished appearance that makes this one of the most striking evergreen trees available for Melbourne gardens.

• The velvety rust -brown underside of each leaf creates a beautiful two tone contrast when leaves move in the breeze, adding textural depth that is unique to the Magnolia grandiflora species.

• Large, bowl shaped white flowers with a strong sweet fragrance appear from spring through summer, making it an outstanding choice for fragrant garden designs and outdoor entertaining spaces across Melbourne.

• Its compact size of approximately 5m tall by 4m wide makes it one of the most garden friendly Southern Magnolia cultivars available, suited to the typical Melbourne residential block where larger Magnolias would be impractical.

• Dense, upright habit provides excellent screening and privacy without the spread of broader canopy trees, making it a popular choice along Melbourne boundary plantings and formal garden axes.

• The large flowers are suitable for cutting and use in floral arrangements, adding cut flower value to this already highly ornamental tree.

• Generally trouble free from pests and diseases, requiring minimal intervention and making it one of the lower maintenance feature trees available for Melbourne gardeners

• Moderate frost and wind tolerance makes it well suited to Melbourne's temperate climate, performing reliably across the city's inner, middle, and outer suburban gardens.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Coolwyn Gloss' is one of Melbourne's most sought-after feature trees, combining year round foliage interest with spectacular seasonal flowering. Here are the most effective ways to use it in Melbourne gardens:

• Feature and specimen tree: Plant as a standalone specimen in a prominent garden position. Against a white rendered wall, at the end of a sight line, or as a centrepiece in a formal lawn. Where the glossy foliage and large white flowers can be fully appreciated.

• Formal garden and structured planting: The dense, upright habit lends itself beautifully to formal garden designs. Plant in pairs flanking an entry, gateway, or driveway for a classic, symmetrical statement in Melbourne's period and contemporary homes alike.

• Screening and boundary planting: The dense canopy provides effective year round screening along boundary fences and between neighbouring Melbourne properties without the aggressive spread of many hedging species.

• Fragrant garden design: Position near outdoor entertaining areas, alfresco spaces, or bedroom windows to take full advantage of the large flowers' strong sweet fragrance particularly pronounced on warm Melbourne summer evenings.

• Cut flower garden: The large white blooms are prized for cutting and are long lasting in a vase plant 'Coolwyn Gloss' within easy reach of the house for a ready supply of statement blooms throughout the flowering season.

• Park and large garden planting: While compact by Magnolia standards, 'Coolwyn Gloss' suits larger Melbourne residential gardens, parks, and public green spaces where its scale and presence can be appreciated over time.

Q: How big does Gardenia 'Magnifica' grow?

A: Typically up to 1.5m high × 1.5m wide in Melbourne conditions.

Q: Can it grow in full sun?

A: Yes, provided it receives regular watering and protection from hot afternoon sun.

Q: How often should I fertilise?

A: Apply slow release fertiliser every spring, with light liquid feeding during summer for optimal growth.