Magnolia Cleopatra

Magnolia Cleopatra is a deciduous spring flowering magnolia with huge red-purple blooms that arrive later in the season between April to May in order to avoid the frost. It’s a magnificent specimen tree.

Magnolia is one of the oldest flowering plants that’s found in the fossil record, but it only grows natively now in China and the Southern USA. Magnolia Cleopatra is a vigorous cross between Magnolia Soulangeana Sweet Simplicity and the always popular Magnolia Black Tulip. It was bred in New Zealand to bloom late and avoid the frosts that can sometimes destroy buds and ruin an anticipated flowering display.

It has typical dark green glossy magnolia foliage that emerges after its complex multi-hued blooms. Its 20 cms goblet-shaped blooms are unusual in that they arrive late in spring but also have stunning complex toned petals ranging from blue to red and purple.

This is a reliable and profuse bloomer from an early age and a must for all magnolia lovers because it extends their season into May.

Height And Spread of Magnolia Cleopatra
Over 10 years Magnolia Cleopatra will reach a maximum height of 4 metres and the crown will spread over 2 metres.

How Hardy is Magnolia Cleopatra
This is a hardy magnolia that copes with below-zero winters if it’s grown in well-drained soil. It needs shelter from cold winds and copes with some drought once established.

How To Use Magnolia Cleopatra
Magnolia Cleopatra is a stunning specimen tree that blooms late in the season so it’s particularly good for more northern areas. It suits low maintenance gardens, wildlife-friendly spots, and if it’s grown in a large well-watered and regularly fed container will thrive on a deck, sheltered balcony, or patio.

Magnolias suit country cottage style gardens and modern urban spaces with their architectural form and stunning goblet flowers. If you want beauty, colour, and shape with little effort Magnolia Cleopatra is a good choice.

How To Care For Magnolia Cleopatra
Magnolia Cleopatra needs moist but well-drained neutral to acidic soil in full sun for the best flowers next to a wall or fence that protects it from cold drying winds is ideal.

Pruning isn’t necessary and can ruin magnolias’ shape, so it’s best to hold off with the pruning and only remove dead or crossed branches in mid-summer if it’s really necessary.

Water well until established and apply a thick layer of acidic mulch such as bracken or pine mulch in very early spring to provide nutrients and trap moisture for the growing season.