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Fairy CreamTM

Magnolia laevifolia

Fairy Cream is a new semi-evergreen Magnolia, featuring masses of cup-shaped creamy white flowers which emerge in the spring from bright brown flower cases. The flowers contrast nicely with the dark evergreen leaves.

The flowers are also scented - Fairy Cream is perhaps the most fragrant of the 'Fairy' Magnolias.

Fairy Cream magnolia trees for sale

  • 3-year pot-grown tree £85.00
    In a 12L pot
    Medium size (2.5m-3.5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season

How to grow

Fairy Cream grows with a shrub-like habit, and should reach a maximum height of about 3m in UK conditions.

History

Fairy Cream belongs to the species Magnolia laevifolia, which in the UK is generally evergreen and retains its leaves over winter, although it may shed them and re-grow them in a bad spring. Evergreen Magnolias are sometimes known as Michelias, a separate genus in the Magnolia family, but modern DNA testing suggested they should be included within the genus Magnolia.

This species is also very precocious, producing flowers from a much younger age than the more established Magnolia species. 

Fairy Cream characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersScented flowers
  • Growth habitUpright-spreading / Vase
  • Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • PruningPrune after flowering
  • Growth rateFast
  • Site conditionsSheltered siteFree-draining site
  • Flower colourCream
  • Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
  • Flowering monthApril
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnGreen
  • Leaf/Flower sequenceLeaves appear first - semi-evergreen
  • Country of originNew Zealand
  • Annual cycleEvergreen

Similar varieties

  • See also Fairy Blush
    Magnolia laevifolia
    Fairy Blush
    A small semi-evergreen Magnolia with fragrant lilac pink flowers.
  • Magnolia laevifolia
    Fairy White
    Fairy White is a small semi-evergreen Magnolia with long-lasting pure white cup-shaped flowers.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2023.