Port Wine Magnolia is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage and highly fragrant creamy flowers that carry a distinctive sweet, fruity scent often compared to port wine or ripe bananas. It is widely used for hedging, screening, and feature planting, particularly in courtyards and near entrances where the fragrance can be appreciated.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional deep watering once established
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, suitable for large pots and screening planters
Mature Height: 2–4 m
Mature Width: 1.5–3 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Moderate (light frost tolerant)
Wind Tolerant: Moderate; prefers some protection from strong winds
Leaf colour: Glossy deep green with bronze undersides
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 5–10 cm long, oval
Flower Colour: Cream to pale yellow with purple margins
Flower Shape: Small cup-shaped flowers
Flower Fragrance: Strongly fragrant; sweet fruity “port wine” scent
Flower Season: Spring to summer, with intermittent flowering through the year in mild climates
Port Wine Magnolia is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage and highly fragrant creamy flowers that carry a distinctive sweet, fruity scent often compared to port wine or ripe bananas. It is widely used for hedging, screening, and feature planting, particularly in courtyards and near entrances where the fragrance can be appreciated.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular during establishment; occasional deep watering once established
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, suitable for large pots and screening planters
Mature Height: 2–4 m
Mature Width: 1.5–3 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Moderate (light frost tolerant)
Wind Tolerant: Moderate; prefers some protection from strong winds
Leaf colour: Glossy deep green with bronze undersides
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 5–10 cm long, oval
Flower Colour: Cream to pale yellow with purple margins
Flower Shape: Small cup-shaped flowers
Flower Fragrance: Strongly fragrant; sweet fruity “port wine” scent
Flower Season: Spring to summer, with intermittent flowering through the year in mild climates
