Magnolia grandiflora 'Exmouth' - Magnolia

A larger evergreen magnolia with conical form, glossy green foliage with distinctive velvety brown undersides, and spectacular large, fragrant white saucer-shaped flowers in spring and summer. Pollution tolerant and frost hardy, perfect for feature tree planting in medium to larger gardens.

Quick Info

Height: 8–12m (Large feature tree)

Width: 5m (conical, upright form)

Growth Rate: Moderate – establishes reliably

Frost Tolerance: Frost tolerant once established

Pollution Tolerance: Excellent – urban-tolerant variety

Positioning: Full sun to part shade.  Full sun promotes vigorous growth and prolific flowering. Part shade tolerated but may reduce flower intensity and growth rate. Performs well in dappled shade under taller canopy trees.

Climate & Hardiness: Performs best in subtropical and warm temperate regions. Frost tolerant once established, extending suitability to temperate regions. Prefers locations protected from strong coastal winds. Not recommended for exposed coastal positions. Best suited to sheltered gardens in warm parts of NSW through Queensland and into temperate regions.

Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil with moderate to good fertility. Tolerates diverse soil types including clay and sandy soils, though well-draining conditions are preferable. 

Protect From: Limited coastal tolerance and dislikes strong coastal winds. Best positioned in sheltered gardens protected from extreme wind exposure. Not recommended for exposed or wind-prone coastal positions.

Pest & Disease Management: Generally very hardy with few significant pest or disease issues in suitable climates. Occasionally susceptible to scale insects in hot conditions—treat with horticultural oil if necessary.

Pruning & Maintenance: Minimal pruning required. Tree naturally develops attractive conical form. Light pruning can maintain shape and remove any dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning as tree regenerates slowly.

Perfect For

> Feature tree planting in medium to large gardens

> Specimen plantings for year-round visual interest

> Urban and pollution-exposed garden locations

> Formal and contemporary landscape design

> Shade canopy Tree

> Properties with ample space for mature form

Plant Variety Overview

Magnolia grandiflora 'Exmouth', commonly known as Bull Bay Magnolia or Exmouth Magnolia, is a magnificent larger Magnolia evergreen tree renowned for its spectacular flowering display and attractive ornamental foliage. This premium cultivar is celebrated for its exceptional large, fragrant white flowers and distinctive narrow, glossy green leaves with characteristic velvety brown undersides, creating a striking ornamental feature.

The Exmouth variety delivers exceptional ornamental impact through its prolific, large saucer-shaped white flowers that appear in spring and summer, releasing a delightful fragrance that enhances garden ambience.

The conical growth habit and evergreen foliage provide year-round structure, presence, and visual interest. The attractive glossy upper leaf surface contrasts beautifully with the distinctive velvety brown undersides, creating textural richness even when flowers are not in bloom.

Why You'll Love It

> Spectacular Floral Display: Large, fragrant white saucer-shaped flowers cover the canopy in spring and summer, creating stunning visual spectacle

> Distinctive Foliage: Glossy green upper leaves contrast beautifully with distinctive velvety brown undersides, creating textural richness

> Fragrant Flowers: Large flowers release delightful fragrance, enhancing garden experience and landscape ambience

> Pollution Tolerant: Thrives in urban gardens and pollution-exposed locations where many trees struggle

> Frost Hardy: Extends suitability across broader climate range including temperate regions

> Conical Form: Naturally elegant upright habit provides vertical structure and architectural presence

> Evergreen Character: Year-round foliage provides continuous visual interest and landscape presence

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety