Scientific Name
Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. ex Pierre
Common Name(s)
Champak
Synonym(s)
Michelia champaca, Magnolia membranacea, Michelia champaca var. champaca, Michelia champaea, Michelia tsiampacca, Michelia tsiampacca var. champaca
Scientific Classification
Family: Magnoliaceae
Subfamily: Magnolioideae
Genus: Magnolia
Flower
Color: Cream to yellow-orange
Bloom Time: June to September
Description
Magnolia champaca is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 164 feet (50 m) tall. Its trunk can be up to 6.2 feet (1.9 m) in diameter. The tree has a narrow umbelliform crown. Flowers are intensely fragrant, in varying shades of cream to yellow-orange. They appear from June to September. The obovoid-ellipsoid carpels produce 2 to 4 seeds from September to October.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Although different species of Magnolia can tolerate slightly different conditions. In general, they will do best with slightly acidic, moist, loose, well-draining soil. To mimic Magnolia's natural conditions, amend heavy soil with peat moss and compost. Grow best in Zones 7-10, depending on variety, with a few cultivars hardy to zone 5. Full sun to partial shade. Moist, peaty soil can help Magnolias tolerate full sun. If you're pushing the limits of cold tolerance, avoid planting Magnolias in southern exposure since the leaves can be damaged by the winter sun, and flowers may open prematurely. Magnolias benefit from irrigation in the first few years, and then they are tolerant of moderate drought.
They need room to grow to their full mature size and width. So while looking small when first planted, they'll grow to fill up space over time.
Some Magnolia varieties don't bloom until 15 years old, so be sure to choose one that fits your needs and expectations. Grafted plants (rather than seed-grown) bloom sooner.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Magnolias.
Origin
This species is native to the Indomalaya ecozone, consisting of south Asia, Southeast Asia (Indochina), and southern China.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Magnolia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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