Magnolia Watermelon

Magnolia Watermelon is a deciduous spring-blooming magnolia with large pale pink flowers. It forms a small tree and has an upright growth habit which makes it a good choice for compact gardens.

Magnolia are ancient plants recorded in worldwide fossil records. They’re native to South America and the Far East and were named after the famous French botanist Pierre Magnol in the early 1700s. Magnolia Watermelon is one of the Vance Hooper range of magnolias. It’s a cross between Magnolia Caerhays Belle and Magnolia Genie bred to produce a narrow compact tree with profuse pink blooms in early spring that appear on the plant from a young age.

Vance Hooper hybrids are known for their large flower heads and Magnolia Watermelon doesn’t disappoint with its huge 20 cms watermelon-hued blooms. Its flowers are goblet-shaped, semi-double and lightly scented appearing on bare branches before its dark green glossy foliage emerges in late spring. A second flush of flowers may appear in summer.

Magnolia Watermelon is an excellent choice for compact, sheltered gardens in need of an early spring boost.

Height And Spread of Magnolia Watermelon
Magnolia Watermelon is a compact tree that reaches a maximum height of 5 metres and only spreads over 2.5 metres.

How Hardy is Magnolia Watermelon
It’s a frost hardy magnolia that needs full sun and protection against harsh freezing winds. Be sure to avoid frost pockets when you’re choosing a planting spot.

How To Use Magnolia Watermelon
Magnolia Watermelon is a top choice of specimen tree in a sheltered, sunny spot. It suits country cottage gardens with its large pretty flowers and urban spaces because it brings architectural shapes and doesn’t grow too large.

Watermelon is perfect for woodland borders, sheltered front gardens, and Japanese style spaces too.

How To Care For Magnolia Watermelon
Magnolia Watermelon needs full sun in a sheltered spot that’s protected from harsh wind and lingering frost. If a late, hard frost is predicted cover the buds with horticultural fleece.  
It does best in neutral to slightly acidic soil but will manage in alkaline conditions too. If your garden is very chalky, fill the planting hole with ericaceous compost and top it up with an acidic mulch of pine or bracken-based compost each year.
If necessary, you can prune back dead or crossed branches in midsummer after the flowering has finished, but in general magnolias do not need pruning.
Remember to give new trees plenty of water until they’re established. The biggest killer of new trees and shrubs is lack of water.