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Fairy WhiteTM

Magnolia laevifolia

Fairy White is a small Magnolia producing pure white fragrant cup-shaped flowers. It is the earliest-flowering of the "Fairy" series of Magnolias, and also the most vigorous - but still likely to be less than 3m tall in the longer term.

The flowers are long-lasting, and a second flush may appear in early summer.

Fairy White magnolia trees for sale

  • 3-year pot-grown tree £59.95
    In a 12L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
Next deliveries

You can pre-order now for delivery from late September 2021 for pot grown trees (or early December for bare-root). You do not need to pay at this stage - just add items to the basket and checkout as usual.

How to grow

Fairy White grows with a shrub-like habit, and should reach a maximum height of about 3m in UK conditions.

In UK conditions Fairy White is generally evergreen,  and retains its leaves over winter, although it may shed them and re-grow them in a bad spring.

Fairy White responds well to pruning, and will readily produce new shoots after cutting, making it a good choice if you want to try a Magnolia hedge.

History

Fairy White was developed in New Zealand by Mark Jury, a well-known breeder of new Magnolia varieties. It is a sister variety of Fairy Cream and Fairy Blush. These three Magnolias all belong to the species Magnolia laevifolia, which is very precocious, producing flowers from a much younger age than the more established Magnolia species. 

 

Fairy White characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersScented flowers
  • Growth habitUpright-spreading / Vase
  • Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • PruningPrune after flowering
  • Growth rateFast
  • Site conditionsSheltered siteFree-draining site
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
  • Flowering monthAprilJuneJuly
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnGreen
  • Leaf/Flower sequenceLeaves appear first semi-evergreen
  • Country of originNew Zealand
  • Annual cycleEvergreen

Similar varieties

  • Magnolia laevifolia
    Fairy Blush
    A small semi-evergreen Magnolia with fragrant lilac pink flowers.
  • Magnolia laevifolia
    Fairy Cream
    Fairy Cream is a semi-evergreen Magnolia with creamy white cup-shaped flowers.