Magnolia x veitchii flower (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Early Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 16m
Eventual Spread: 10m
Hardiness: 7a – 9b
Family: Magnoliaceae
Magnolia x veitchii is a vigorous deciduous, upright large shrub or small tree. Its leaves are alternate, simple with a pointy tip and is pinnately veined, with entire margins and up to 15cm long. They emerge with a purple flush of colour, maturing to dark green. Its branches are quite brittle. The white/ pink flushed flowers are goblet shaped, up to 12cm tall, borne on the branches before the leaves emerge. The fruit takes on the form of a cone like syncarps.
Magnolia x veitchii (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
Magnolia x veitchii is commonly known as Magnolia veitchii. Magnolia x veitchii is a cross between Magnolia campbellii and Magnolia denudata. It was originally produced by Robert Veitch in 1907, a member of the family of horticulturists who established Veitch Nurseries in Exeter and Chelsea, England.
The etymological root of the binomial name Magnolia was named after Pierre Magnol, a 17th century French botanist. Veitchii is named after Robert Veitchii (1850 – 1929), who was a horticulturist and produced the first cross of this Magnolia.
The landscape architect may find Magnolia x veitchii useful as a spring flowering specimen tree or large shrub. It should be sheltered from strong winds and late frosts, where possible.
Ecologically, M. x veitchii is attractive to bees and pollinating insects.
Magnolia x veitchii Trunk (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
M. x veitchii prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers an acid to neutral pH of soil.
M. x veitchii requires little maintenance.
