Magnolia grandiflora 'VICTORIA' southern magnolia, bull bay

This cultivar of evergreen magnolia was born in a Canadian province British Columbia in 1930. Since then it has shown extreme frost tolerance and many Czech enthusiasts rate this variety the most reliable as regards the leaves which are seldom burnt by frost.

Its name is Victoria. It has large, creamy-white, fragrant flowers that come out in July and keep popping up until September. Leaves are dark green, very glossy, with brown, suede-like undersides. Leaf buds are beautifully purple-pink.

Find it a location with plenty of direct sunlight in summer, protected from cutting winds. If you can find such spot, grow it in winter shade. It needs slightly acidic soil, very rich in humus, moist but well-drained.

For the first couple of years we recommend to cover the plant in white woven to keep direct sunlight and freezing winds away should the temperature drop down to -20°C. It is hardy to -25°C (USDA zone 6) but withstand temporary swings down to -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 18-01-2008