Magnolia Emperor

Magnolia Emperor is a beautiful deciduous magnolia with large dark pink-purple springtime flowers that often bloom a second time in summer. It suits a sheltered border and will grow in a plant container too.

Magnolias are native to South America and the Far East, but they are one of the oldest plants we know preserved in fossil records across the globe. Magnolias were introduced to Europe and named after French plant hunter Pierre Magnol in the early 1700s. They’ve been crossed to produce numerous new varieties since. 

Magnolia Emperor was hybridised in 2006 by the New Zealand breeder Vance Hooper who also bred Magnolia Cleopatra. Magnolia Emperor is a hybrid of the popular Magnolia Felix Jury and Magnolia Genie. It’s named Emperor for its large regal dark pink and purple flowers in spring. These profuse goblet-shaped flowers appear on bare branches and often measure 25-30 cms across.

Emperor’s first show of flowers occurs in mid-spring which is followed by its attractive dark glossy green foliage. The second flower show often occurs in early summer which is unusual for a magnolia.

Emperor Magnolia is a hardy, sun-loving statement tree that’s perfect for lovers of deep impactful colour.

Height And Spread of Magnolia Emperor
Magnolia Emperor reaches a fully grown height of 5 metres and the crown spreads to 3.5 metres over ten years.

How Hardy is Magnolia Emperor
It is winter hardy down to minus temperatures if the roots are well-drained, but it needs full sun and shelter from harsh winds to flower well.

How To Use Magnolia Emperor
This is a great choice of statement tree for your front or back garden. It doesn’t get too tall or wide and produces a glorious display of flowers twice a year. It suits modern urban gardens or pretty country cottage style borders where it brings height, structure, and colour.

Magnolia Emperor will also grow in a large well-watered and fed container on a deck, patio or sheltered balcony. 

How To Care For Magnolia Emperor
Magnolia Emperor needs a sheltered position in full sun and it’s important to avoid frost pockets or wind tunnels that will damage the early buds. Magnolia doesn’t like being transplanted so be sure to choose a sunny, sheltered position.

Although Magnolia does best on slightly acidic soil it will cope with most types of soil. Bulk up a planting hole with plenty of ericaceous compost and apply a thick layer of bracken or pine-based compost in spring to boost its nutrients and flower show.

Pruning isn’t needed because it grows in a pleasing open goblet shape, but if necessary you can prune back any dead or crossed branches in midsummer after the flowering has finished.

Remember to give new trees plenty of water until they are established. If you’re growing Magnolia Emperor in a container, be sure to water and feed it once a week in the growing season.