Magnolia grandiflora ALTA® ('T.M.G.H.') southern magnolia, bull bay
size/type
taller shrub,taller shrub
usual height
3-6m
usual width
1-2m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-August
location
full sun
soil type
acidic (peaty)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Evergreen magnolias are the queens of flowering trees. We choose the most beautiful and at the same time hardiest varieties. ALTA® is a fantastic introduction from the USA where it was found as a chance seedling of a columnar variety called Hasse in 1993. Its inventor Thomas Julian Strickland noticed a plant of a different shape and with and dense, fibrous root system among other Hasse plants and further propagations proved its characteristics to be stable. It was patented in 1998 as TMGH under PP11,612.
Description of the plant:
ALTA® is a gorgeous southern magnolia of dense habit and narrowly columnar, very elegant shape that looks like a candle flame. From the first hot days of summer large – 20-24 cm across, creamy white, strongly sweet-scented flowers are produced singly and continuously for 2 months or a little longer depending on plant’s age. Evergreen leaves are narrower than on the species, deep green, extremely glossy, covered with rich rusty brown indumentum beneath. Pruning is not necessary to keep its compact shape. Should you need to cut it in any way do so as early as possible after frosts and beware that it will not flower for one year. As an evergreen, summer-blooming plant it is ideal for planting near swimming pools and patios where you can enjoy summer most. Thanks to its narrow shape and reduced size it can be grown in small gardens, too. ALTA® magnolia exhibits improved root system which ensures safe transplanting and early establishment.
Finding it a good location is a crucial key to healthy life of bull bay magnolias. Ideal spot is the one with plenty of direct sunlight in summer, and in winter protected from cutting winds and constant sunlight. The soil MUST be well-drained, evenlyy moist, and preferably acid to prevent from chlorosis, very rich in humus, possibly with some clay in lower parts. It needs a lot of nutrients so fertilizing is suggested in the first few years after transplanting. Use organic matter or slow-release fertilizers with balanced levels of nitrogen. Solely nitrogen-based solutions are only advisable during regeneration phases and should not be used later than the end of June.
In the USA it proved hardy to USDA zone 6 (-23°C) and is expected to take short spells of a little deeper frost. Should the temperature drop lower than -23°C, or long-lasting frost is forecast we recommend covering it with white woven only for the coldest days FOR MAXIMUM 2 WEEKS. It should be removed during cloudy weather. In winter provide careful watering in frost-free periods if the ground is not dry and not frozen.
Last update 21-02-2012
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