Magnolia kobus - Northern Japanese Magnolia

Magnolia kobus is an ancient, deciduous plant native to Japan. Its can reach highs of over 12 metres in a time span of 20-50 years.

Originally, they were pollinated by beetles that were attracted to its profound fruity scent. Its snowy white buds present a perfumed, beautiful smell for all passers by.

Although its natural home is on the hills or below the mountains in East Asia, the Northern Japanese Magnolia has been naturalised to almost all continents due to the plants outstanding beauty and low maintenance. Not only is it pest free, it is also resistant to many diseases.

Pruning is not needed in this type of tree due to its beautiful natural structure. At a young age, it grows in a pyramid shape but as it matures, a more elegant, rounded shape is created. Magnolia kobus is also great in a pleached form, where its green foliage really is a perfect addition to all gardens.

FACT: A seed estimated to be 2,000 years old was found in a pit in the ancient bronze-age village of Asada. The archaeologists planted the seed assuming it would not grow however they were wrong. It did grow but unlike other magnolia trees, it had 7 petals rather than 6.