Magnolia Aphrodite

Magnolia Aphrodite is a small deciduous magnolia tree with deep pink goblet flowers in late spring. It’s a beautiful specimen tree and because its flowers bloom later than other magnolia varieties it’s a good choice for more northern or exposed areas.

Magnolias are native to the Far East and the Americas. They are some of the oldest plants found in the fossil record and were discovered by a French botanist called Pierre Magnol. The Aphrodite cultivar was bred by German Magnolia grower Michael Gottschalk. as a cross between Magnolia Black Tulip and Deep Purple Dream. Aphrodite is named after the Greek Goddess of love and beauty for good reason. It has huge goblet-shaped flowers on bare branches that are deep rich pink and flower freely from an early age. After its mass of flowers has faded, mid-green foliage covers its branches until the autumn frosts.

Height And Spread of Magnolia Aphrodite
Magnolia Aphrodite reaches a maximum height of 4 metres and spreads across 3 metres.

How Hardy is Magnolia Aphrodite
This is a hardy magnolia that withstands cold winters if its roots are well-drained. It prefers partial shade and buds may be damaged by late frosts or harsh winds.

How To Use Magnolia Aphrodite
Magnolia Aphrodite is a beautiful architectural specimen tree for the border or lawn. It suits sheltered city courtyards and country cottage style gardens bringing height and structure with a springtime burst of pretty pink flowers.
This late-blooming variety is a great choice for more northerly areas where frost can destroy magnolia buds before they have a chance to flower.

How To Care For Magnolia Aphrodite
Magnolia Aphrodite is a late spring flowering variety but it still needs a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. You should avoid planting it in a frost pocket or in an exposed site where its buds will be vulnerable to frost and harsh temperatures. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot wisely because magnolias don’t appreciate being transplanted.

Aphrodite will grow best in slightly acidic soil, but it will manage in most gardens. If your soil is very chalky bulk up the planting hole with ericaceous compost and apply a thick layer of pine or bracken-based acidic mulch in early spring.

Pruning often damages the naturally pleasing shape of magnolias, but you can remove crossed or broken branches in mid-summer or early autumn.

Remember to water well until Aphrodite is established. The biggest killer of young trees is lack of water.