Magnolia 'CLEOPATRA' ^PBR magnolia

Cleopatra is another magnolia success by a renowned magnolia breeder Vance Hooper from New Zealand. It is a cross between Sweet Simplicity and Black Tulip varieties. The result is a rich purple red, large flower, almost 20 cm across with a lovely fragrance. In Central European climate it grows moderately into a well-shaped, conical shrub that blooms regularly and profusely every year. The deciduous leaves are fresh green, ovate to obovate and densely cover the whole plant when in leaf. . It is protected by BPR in Europe under reg.no. EU 20102601.

Magnolias are not supposed to be pruned. You can prune old shrubs if ill, or trim them to shape or to reduce size, or make an elementary cut to young plants of unsightly or unhealthy appearance. Do this as soon as possible after flowering to secure setting of flower buds for the following year. Be aware that each magnolia can respond differently to pruning.

Deciduous magnolias are quite easy plants. All they need is light, well-drained, acidic soil with equal moisture throughout the year. Once established they can do with occasional drought but will not look as nice as the ones with regular watering. Just pay attention to how to plant your magnolia. First, find it a spot where it will live forever and ever. It does not like transplanting. And as it makes shallow roots reaching well over its spread stay away from disturbing the roots by digging or messing about around it. Just cover the soil with bark mulch and do not plant anything else near it after say the second year after planting onwards. You could damage the very important top roots that absorb maximum moisture and nutrients from the soil. Also avoid planting magnolia too deep. Its hardiness has been tested town to -24°C with no damage (USDA zone 6) but thanks to its parentage it is expected to take much harder frost.

Last update 25-03-2013