trees

Why Choose a Magnolia? Few trees signal the arrival of spring quite like a magnolia. While most of the garden is stillwaking up, magnolias are already covered in flowers. They bring colour, structure and, in manyvarieties, a pleasant fragrance.There's a magnolia tree for almost every garden. Some stay small enough to fit comfortably intosmaller spaces, while others grow into impressive specimen trees. Evergreen varieties addanother dimension. Their glossy leaves look attractive in every season, especially in winter.Flower colours range from pure white and soft pink to rich purple and golden yellow. With somany varieties available, the hardest part is choosing just one.Magnolias are also easy to grow. Plant them in the right position, give them a little extra care inthe first year or two, and they will reward you with decades of flowers. Evergreen or Deciduous: Which Magnolia Is Right for You? At Arundel Arboretum, this is one of the first questions we help customers answer. Both areexcellent choices, but they suit slightly different gardens and growing conditions. Choose an evergreen magnolia if you: ● Want a tree that is attractive all year-round.● Want to create a natural privacy screen.● Have a sheltered garden protected from strong or cold winds.● Live in a milder part of the UK, particularly in the south or coastal areas. Remember that many evergreen magnolias become large trees over time. If space is limited, look for smaller varieties. Choose a deciduous magnolia if you: ● Want a classic display of spring flowers.● Have a small or medium-sized garden.● Live in an area with colder winters.● Don't mind bare branches for part of the year. Many deciduous magnolias flower before the leaves appear, so for a short window the whole tree is just blossom. If spring colour is your priority, it's hard to beat that effect. Find the Best Evergreen Magnolias for Your Garden 1. Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)The largest of the evergreens, reaching 10–15 m. It has dark glossy leaves and large, fragrant, creamy flowers that open through summer. Best suited to large gardens where it has room to spread.2. Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'Similar fragrant creamy summer flowers to the species, but with a narrower, upright shape.Grows to 8–12 m and works well as a screen where space is tight.3. Magnolia grandiflora 'Galissonniere'A vigorous, broad, rounded tree reaching 10–15 m, with the classic fragrant, creamy whiteblooms, followed by ornamental seed cones in autumn.4. Magnolia grandiflora 'Francois Treyve'Dense and upright, 8–12 m, with large, creamy and fragrant flowers. One of the best choices if you're looking for an upright specimen tree.5. Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'This is the one to choose if you love the look of a grandiflora but don't have grandiflora-sized space. Essentially, it's a scaled-down Southern Magnolia that's perfect for patios andcourtyards. It has the same fragrant, creamy flowers, but slow-growing and compact at 4-6 m. Find the Right Deciduous Magnolia for Your Garden Most deciduous magnolias flower in spring, often before the leaves emerge. Some varietiesbloom slightly later than others, which may reduce the risk of frost damage. A few sometimes produce a lighter second flush of flowers in summer. Best Magnolias for Small Gardens If your space is limited, choose a compact variety that won't outgrow the garden. Thesemagnolias are a good fit for small gardens, patios and courtyards. Variety, Flower colour, Flowering, HeightMagnolia 'Susan', Deep pink-purple, Mid to late spring, 3–4 mMagnolia 'Genie', Deep burgundy-purple, Mid to late spring, 2.5–4 mMagnolia stellata, Pure white, Early spring, 1.5–2.5 m Magnolia stellata is notable among this group for the strength of its fragrance and its earlyflowering period, which is among the earliest of the genus. Best Magnolias for Large Gardens If you have plenty of space, you can enjoy magnolias that grow into large, elegant trees. These varieties become more impressive with age. Variety, Flower colour, Flowering, HeightMagnolia 'Galaxy', Deep pink to rosy-purple, Mid-spring, 8–12 mMagnolia ×soulangeana, White, pink or purple, Mid to late spring, 4–8 mMagnolia 'Star Wars', Rosy pink, Mid to late spring, 4–8 mMagnolia denudata (Yulan Magnolia), Pure white,  Early to mid-spring, 8–12 m Magnolia × soulangeana is one of the most widely planted deciduous magnolias and the originof numerous garden hybrids. Magnolia denudata is valued particularly for its fragrance. Best Magnolias for Rich Flower Colours Flower colour is often the first thing gardeners consider when choosing a magnolia. Thevarieties below are grouped by colour to help you compare your options and find one that best suits your garden. Deep Pink and Purple Magnolias Variety, Flower colour, Flowering, HeightMagnolia 'Genie', Deep burgundy-purple, Mid- to late spring, 2.5–4 mMagnolia liliiflora 'Nigra',Deep purple outside, creamy white flushed purple inside, Mid- to late spring, 2.5–4 mMagnolia 'Romuald', Rich rosy pink, Mid- to late spring, 4–6 m Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' has a shrubbier, more multi-stemmed habit than the other cultivars in this group and is often grown as a large shrub rather than a single-stemmed tree. Pink Magnolias Variety, Flower colour, Flowering, HeightMagnolia 'Flamingo', Pure pink, Mid-spring, 4–8 mMagnolia 'Zofia', Pink, Mid- to late spring, 4–6 mMagnolia 'Susanna van Veen', Rose-pink darker outside, Early spring 8–12 m Magnolia 'Susanna van Veen' flowers earlier than the other cultivars in this group and grows into a considerably larger tree, making it better suited to sites with more space. White Magnolias Variety, Flower colour, Flowering HeightMagnolia denudata (Yulan Magnolia), Pure white, Early to mid-spring, 8–12 mMagnolia stellata, Pure white, Early spring, 1.5–2.5 mMagnolia 'Sunrise' Creamy white with raspberry-pink at the base, Early spring, 2–2.5 m Fragrance varies considerably among white-flowered cultivars. M. denudata is generallyregarded as the most strongly scented. Yellow Magnolias Variety, Flower colour, Flowering, HeightMagnolia 'Butterfly', Soft yellow, Early spring, 4–8 mMagnolia 'Yellow Bird', Bright yellow, Late spring, 8–12 mMagnolia 'Yellow River', Golden yellow, Mid-spring, 4–8 mMagnolia 'Sunsation', Golden yellow with a pink flush, Mid-spring, 4–8 m Most yellow-flowered magnolias come from breeding programmes using M. acuminata, the only magnolia species with naturally yellow tepals. The Best Position for a Magnolia If you want to grow a healthy magnolia, choosing the right location is one of the most important steps. These trees don’t like to be moved so you have to take a little time to find a place where they will be happy for years to come.Most magnolias flower best in full sun, although light shade is usually fine. In warmer parts of the UK, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.A sheltered position is also important. Strong winds may damage the flowers, while late spring frosts can affect varieties that flower early.They thrive in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Most prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged soil or areas that dry out quickly during summer. Magnolia Care and Maintenance Once established, magnolias are easy to care for. They don’t need much attention, but a few simple things will keep them happy and healthy. WateringFor the first two years, magnolias need regular watering, especially in dry weather. Later on,they need additional watering only during long periods of drought. MulchingSpread a layer of garden compost, leaf mould or well-rotted bark around the base of the tree each spring. That will keep the soil moist and reduce weeds. As it breaks down, it also improves soil. FeedingMagnolias don’t need much feeding if they grow in good soil. If growth is poor, apply aslow-release fertiliser in spring. PruningMagnolias need very little pruning. In most cases, simply remove any dead, damaged orcrossing branches. If pruning is necessary, do it in mid to late summer, after flowering. Pests & DiseasesMagnolias are generally healthy trees and rarely suffer from serious pests and diseases.Occasionally, you may notice scale insects, vine weevils or leaf spot, but these problems areusually minor. Where to Buy a Magnolia Tree Every garden is different, and choosing the right magnolia depends on your space and growing conditions. If you'd like to compare different varieties in person, visit Arundel Arboretum in Arundel, West Sussex. Our team is always happy to help you choose the right tree for your garden. If you can't make it to the nursery, you can browse our online store from home. FAQ When is the best time to plant a magnolia?Autumn and spring. The soil is usually moist and temperatures are mild, so roots get a chance to establish before summer heat or winter cold.Do magnolias prefer sun or shade?For magnolias, full sun is the best, but light shade is fine, too. Finding a sheltered spot is also important as strong winds can damage the flowers.Can you grow a magnolia in a pot?Yes, if you pick a smaller variety. Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' and Magnolia stellata both work well in a large container.When do magnolias start flowering?It varies by type. Some flower in March, others wait until April or May. A young tree usually takes a year or two to settle before it flowers well.Are magnolia roots invasive?Magnolia roots aren't usually a problem. They're fairly shallow and spread wide rather thandigging deep. Still, avoid planting too close to drains, paths or foundations.Can I plant a magnolia close to my house?Depends on the size it'll eventually reach. Smaller ones are fine near a wall or path, but bigger ones need room to grow. Check the mature size before you decide where to plant. Can magnolias grow in clay soil?Magnolias don't do well with roots sitting in water, so improve your clay soil with plenty oforganic matter before planting.How long do magnolia flowers last?Roughly, two to four weeks. Calm, cool weather makes them last longer. Wind, heavy rain or a late frost will shorten the display.How fast do magnolias grow?Once established, they grow around 20–40 cm a year. Some are slower by nature, and thelarger tree types can grow faster in good conditions.How long do magnolia trees live?With the right growing conditions, many live for 80 to 100 years or more.

Gardens full of flowering trees are really magical places. However, most people tend to have gardens with trees that bloom only in spring. But garden doesn’t have to be dull the rest of the year. There can always be something in bloom, even in the middle of winter, just plant trees that flower in different seasons and your garden will be filled with colour all year round. Why Plant Trees That Flower in Different Seasons? The garden with a mix of trees that bloom at different times of the year will keep surprising you and you’ll always have something new to enjoy. To make it easier, we’ve prepared a simple guide to best flowering trees for every season. These trees are carefully chosen for UK gardens and UK growing conditions, and available at Arundel Arboretum for you to explore and enjoy. Best Spring Flowering Trees UK After a cold winter, nothing brightens a garden faster than spring flowering trees. Their bare branches transform into clouds of colour and spectacularly announce the beginning of the gardening year. There’s no doubt early blooming trees burst with energy and joy. If you’re still indecisive what to buy, here are some of the best spring blossom trees for UK gardens: Prunus Avium 'Cherry blossom' If there is a tree that perfectly captures the spirit of spring, it’s cherry blossom. It’s not only stunning, but also sends a strong message of new energy and renewal. Sadly, the flowers don’t last long, carrying another meaning – that life is short.•    When It Flowers - Usually from March to April, sometimes a bit earlier in milder parts of the UK.•    Blooming Time - Around 2 to 3 weeks, depending on variety and weather.•    What You'll See - Branches completely covered in white or pink blossoms, often double or semi-double, before a single leaf appears. Care & Maintenance - Many Cherry Blossom varieties are perfect for small UK gardens. They prefer sunny, sheltered places with well-drained soil. Light pruning after flowering will maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. However, if you prefer a slightly later bloom, look for varieties like Prunus ‘Accolade’ or ‘Kanzan’. Magnolia Magnolias are stunning trees that bring a sense of luxury. Their large, fragrant flowers are of superb elegance and beauty. •    When It Flowers - Usually between March and May, depending on the variety.•    Blooming Time - Around 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes even longer if the weather is nice. •    What You'll See - Big, elegant blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, or yellow, appearing before the leaves. Amelanchier 'Juneberry' Amelanchier is a tree that you can really count on to bloom early. Beside lovely flowers, it also brings berries in early summer, and brilliant orange-red foliage in autumn. If you have a small garden, Amelanchier is the perfect choice. •    When It Flowers - Usually from late March into April.•    Blooming Time - Around 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the weather.•    What You'll See - Masses of star-shaped white blossoms bursting into life before the coppery new leaves start to unfold. Care & Maintenance - It loves sun or partial shade, and moist but well-drained soil. It doesn’t require much pruning, just remove any weak or crossing branches in late winter. One of the most reliable early bloomers in the UK.  Malus 'Crab Apple' Besides having amazing flowers in spring, Crab Apple is also vibrant in autumn. It’s friendly to wild life because pollinators love its flowers and its fruits are great source of food for birds during the winter.•    When It Flowers - Usually from April through May.•    Blooming Time - Around 3 to 4 weeks of steady colour.•    What You'll See - Clusters of white, pink, or red blossoms that cover the branches, later giving way to small ornamental fruits. Care & Maintenance - Crab Apples are hardy, very easy to grow, and adaptable to most soil types. The only thing they really prefer is full sun. A light trim in late winter is enough to keep its shape. Note that UK varieties like ‘Evereste’ and ‘John Downie’ bloom mid-spring. Cercis 'Judas Tree' The Cercis tree brings a touch of the Mediterranean to UK gardens as it’s common in Mediterranean landscapes. Its flowers are spectacular and profuse.•    When It Flowers - Usually from April to May.•    Blooming Time - Around 3 weeks, sometimes a bit longer in mild weather.•    What You'll See - Dark pink, pea-shaped flowers that pop straight from the bare branches and trunk before the leaves appear. Care & Maintenance - It likes warm, sheltered spots and well-drained soil. Once established, it can tolerate drought but you need to water it regularly during the first year. After flowering, make sure to remove dead and crossing branches. Best Summer Flowering Trees UK With days becoming longer and the air warmer, summer flowering trees step into the spotlight. They fill gardens with greenery and beautiful flowers all summer. They’re perfect for lazy afternoons in the shade or evening walks among the blossoms.  Catalpa If you’re looking for something bold, architectural, and full of personality, choose Catalpa. Its large leaves create generous shade, while the flowers add a touch of tropical flair.•    When It Flowers - Usually from July to August.•    Blooming Time - Around 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes a bit longer in a warm summer.•    What You'll See - Big, showy clusters of white, trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow and purple markings, standing proudly above large, heart-shaped leaves. Care & Maintenance - Catalpa handles UK summers well and looks especially striking as a specimen tree. It doesn’t need much care, just some light pruning in late winter. Albizia julibrissin 'Silk Tree' The Silk Tree brings an exotic touch to the garden. It’s best suited for mild UK areas, like southern England and coastal regions. It’s popularly called Persian Silk Tree or Tree of Happiness.•    When It Flowers - From June to August, even September.•    Blooming Time - Usually around 4 to 6 weeks, and in warm years it can keep blooming well into early autumn.•    What You'll See - Soft, fluffy pink tufts that look a bit like tiny silk brushes, gently scented and floating above fine, fern-like leaves. Care & Maintenance - It loves a warm, sheltered spots, well-drained soil, and needs very little attention. Some tiding up after flowering is usually enough. Robinia pseudoacacia 'Black Locust' Black Locust is tough, fast-growing, and buzzing with life when in bloom. Bees absolutely love it. It’s ideal for larger gardens, as it needs room to spread and can grow quite tall.•    When It Flowers - From late May through to July.•    Blooming Time - Around 2 to 3 weeks of gorgeous, fragrant blooms.•    What You'll See - Cascading clusters of white, wisteria-like flowers that hang gracefully against fresh green foliage. Care & Maintenance - It doesn’t require much care, but needs regular pruning to prevent it from overgrowing. It’s interesting that its flowers are edible. Koelreuteria paniculata 'Golden Rain Tree' The Golden Rain Tree is one of the most reliable summer flowering ornamental trees for UK gardens. It has a very interesting and elegant structure as its yellow falling panicles resemble the golden rain.•    When It Flowers - Usually from July into August.•    Blooming Time - Around 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes more.•    What You'll See - Loose clusters of golden-yellow, star-shaped flowers that light up the canopy, followed by rose-tinted, lantern-like seed pods that stay on branches well into autumn. Care & Maintenance - It’s best to plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil because it thrives in warm, sheltered locations. It needs very little pruning and is excellent for urban landscapes. Best Autumn Flowering Trees UK As summer fades, autumn flowering trees bring unexpected beauty. These late bloomers keep the garden full of life in cooler months. Beside their lovely flowers, they often bring even more colour with ornamental fruits. Here are some of the best autumn flowering trees for UK gardens: Lagerstroemia 'Crape Myrtle' Crape Myrtle brings a splash of late-season colour that feels almost tropical. However, it’snot suitable for all parts of the UK. In colder areas, it may fail to flower well.•    When It Flowers - From August to October.•    Blooming Time - Around 6 to 8 weeks in warm, sheltered spots.•    What You'll See - Big clusters of pink, purple, red, or white flowers that often last well into autumn, followed by beautiful orange-red foliage. Care & Maintenance - It loves full sun and warmth so it will grow best in southern England and coastal regions. Arbutus unedo 'Strawberry Tree'  The Strawberry Tree is one of the most charming trees for autumn interest because it’s flowering and fruiting at the same time.•    When It Flowers - From October to December.•    Blooming Time - Usually around 6 to 10 weeks.•    What You'll See - Clusters of small, white to pale pink bell-shaped blooms that appear alongside the red fruit from the previous year. Care & Maintenance - It prefers milder coastal or southern areas of the UK. In harsher inland or northern sites, it may struggle so it needs some winter protection. Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’ It’s typically considered to be a shrub, but it can be trained into a small tree form. Also, its flower period often extends into winter. It’s one of those plants that surprise you with beauty and fragrance when you least expect it.•    When It Flowers - From November to March•    Blooming Time - It can flower for several months, especially when the weather stays gentle.•    What You'll See - Clusters of fragrant, pale to deep pink blooms that appear on bare branches, releasing a strong, sweet scent on sunny days. Care & Maintenance – Prefers sunny and warm spots, and well-drained, slightly acidic soil but it’s not very fussy about the soil type. It also doesn’t require much care, just prune it lightly after flowering. Winter Flowering Trees UK When most of the garden is quiet, a few remarkable flowering trees continue to bring us joy. They light up cold months with unexpected blooms and colour. Here are some of the best winter flowering trees for UK gardens to keep your outdoor space glowing when everything else lies asleep. Hamamelis 'Witch Hazel' Witch Hazel is one of the most striking winter flowering trees for UK gardens. Many varieties also have vibrant autumn foliage before flowering.•    When It Flowers - From December to February.•    Blooming Time - Around 6 to 8 weeks.•    What You'll See - Clusters of spidery, ribbon-like petals in shades of yellow, orange, or red that appear on bare branches, often releasing a delicate, spicy scent. Care & Maintenance - It thrives in sun or partial shade and likes moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. After flowering, prune it lightly to maintain shape. Chimonanthus 'Praecox Wintersweet' True to its name, Chimonathus fills the garden with powerful scent and delicate winter display. It’s more of a shrub that can grow up to 4m. The flowers appear on bare branches, catching the light beautifully on sunny days.•    When It Flowers - From December to February.•    Blooming Time - Around 6 to 8 weeks.•    What You'll See - Pale yellow, waxy flowers, with a sweet fragrance, appearing on bare branches. Care & Maintenance - Plant it in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, ideally against a south-facing wall for some extra warmth. Prune it after flowering to encourage better blooms the following year. Camellia sasanqua 'Winter's Snowman' A beautiful evergreen winter-flowering tree. It’s the earliest camellia to flower, often brightening the garden before Christmas.•    When It Flowers - From October to January.•    Blooming Time - Usually 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the weather.•    What You'll See - Elegant, semi-double white blooms with golden centres, set against glossy evergreen leaves. Care & Maintenance - It prefers acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade. Ideally, keep it away from morning sun, which can scorch frost-covered buds. Make sure to water it well in dry spells. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ Winter-Flowering Cherry This beautiful cherry tree bridges the gap between autumn and spring. Its gentle blossoms glow against grey skies making it a stunning sight in winter. Still, the bloom level depends on mild outdoor conditions.•    When It Flowers - From late October right through to March, often peaking during mild autumn spells.•    Blooming Time - It flowers on and off for several months.•    What You'll See - Soft pink to white blossoms that open on bare branches. Care & Maintenance - It’s happiest in a sunny, sheltered spot and needs protection from cold winds and heavy frost, which can shorten its flowering time. Discover Flowering Trees for Every Season at Arundel Arboretum Are you ready to make your garden spectacular with seasonal flowering trees? At Arundel Arboretum, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of flowering trees for every season. We choose them for their beauty, resilience, and suitability to UK gardens. If you want to create a truly amazing year-round display of colour, our expert team can help you choose the right trees for your soil, space, and style. Visit us at our nursery in the historic town of Arundel, in the heart of West Sussex, or explore our online store if you prefer buying online.