Magnolia grandiflora 'FRANCOIS TREYVE'

Evergreen magnolias are the queens of flowering trees. We choose the most beautiful and at the same time hardiest varieties. Francois Treyve is a French variety, more than 100 years old. It was found by a gardener and landscape designer of the same name in Auvergne in late 19th century. It is ideal for Central-European cultivation thanks to its hardiness. It survived the worst winters of 1870 and 1880 in France while its lowest record was -28°C in Arboretum de Balaine. Being quite difficult to propagate not many plants are usually found in nurseries which still makes it quite rare.

Francois Treyve evergreen magnolia is more compact than the species. It bears deep green, glossy, broadly ovate or almost rounded leaves with cinnamon-brown leathery undersides that protect them from drying winds and cold. Flowers appear from the first hot and sunny days of summer. They are beautiful as on any bull bay magnolia, creamy white in colour, 20 cm or a little more across, very fragrant. One flower lasts for 1-3 days only but they pop up continuously one by one. Well established, mature plants can produce buds and bloom for as long as 2 months if the weather is sunny and warm.

It grows into a large shrub or a small tree of oval shape. It does not make wayward branches like the species and remains rather compact which makes it suitable for mid-sized or even reasonably small-ish gardens. It flowers on mature shoots which are usually the ones from previous year so any form of pruning may significantly limit the number of flowers. Pruning is not recommended in zone 6, anyway. As an evergreen, summer-blooming plant it is ideal for planting near swimming pools and patios where you can enjoy summer most.

Finding it a good location is a crucial key to healthy life of bull bay magnolias. Ideal spot is the one with plenty of direct sunlight in summer, protected from cutting winds, and some shade in winter. The soil MUST be well-drained, constantly moist, and preferably acidic to prevent from chlorosis, very rich in humus and possibly some clay in lower parts. It needs a lot of nutrients so fertilizing is suggested in the first few years after transplanting. Use organic matter or slow-release fertilizers with balanced levels of nitrogen. Solely nitrogen-based solutions are only advisable during regeneration phases and should not be used later than end of June.

It is hardy to about -24°C (USDA zone 6). Should the temperature drop lower or long-lasting frost is forecast we recommend covering it with white woven only for the coldest days FOR MAXIMUM 2 WEEKS. It should be removed during cloudy weather. In winter provide careful watering in frost-free periods if the ground is not dry and not frozen.

Last update 27-01-2011