Michelia trees bring year-round beauty and seasonal fragrance, making them perfect as specimen trees, hedges, or even potted features.
Position
Plant Michelia in full sun or part shade. Protect young plants from frost, as they are slightly frost-tender.
Prepare Soil
Garden: Enrich the soil with organic matter, ensuring it is slightly acidic, free-draining, and nutrient-rich.
Pots: Use a premium acidic potting mix designed for camellias or azaleas.
Feed
Garden: Apply a specialised fertiliser for Camellia, Rhodo & Azalea fertiliser 2–3 times a year.
Pots: Feed with liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season.
Watering & Mulching
Water deeply during dry periods, especially for young plants. Mulch around the base with organic materials to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protection
Cover young plants to shield them from frost. Once established, Michelia trees recover quickly from minor frost damage.
Garden Expert Tip
Plant Michelia near seating areas or pathways to enjoy their enchanting fragrance during evening hours.
Our Favourite Michelia Varieties
- Michelia Figo (Port Wine Magnolia): Compact and versatile, growing to 2m. Perfect for pots, hedges, or as a backdrop shrub. Features creamy-white flowers that turn wine-purple with a fragrance reminiscent of banana or port wine.
- Michelia Doltsopa: A larger specimen, reaching up to 10m. Adorned with loosely petaled creamy-white flowers, perfect as a statement tree in spacious gardens.
- Michelia ‘Mixed Up Miss’: A hybrid of Doltsopa and Figo, growing to 3–4m over 10 years. Violet and white buds open to reveal fragrant blooms with a touch of elegance.
- Michelia Yunnanensis: A slower-growing tree that reaches 4–5m. Covered with creamy white blooms and yellow stamens in winter and spring, it is a showstopper for smaller spaces.
- Michelia Velvet and Cream: Ideal for hedges or pots, this variety reaches 2–4m and features stunning creamy flowers with a velvety touch.
