Fairy WhiteTM
Magnolia laevifoliaFairy 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

All our pot-grown trees are grown for us to our specification by the Frank P Matthews nursery.
All pot-grown trees are suitable for planting out in the garden, some are suitable for growing in containers.
2-year pot-grown
tree
£85.00
Grown for us by Frank P Matthews nursery
In a 12L pot
Medium size (2.5m-3.5m after 10 years)
Pre-order now for delivery in September 2025
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 laevifoliaFairy BlushA small semi-evergreen Magnolia with fragrant lilac pink flowers.
Magnolia laevifoliaFairy CreamFairy Cream is a semi-evergreen Magnolia with creamy white cup-shaped flowers.