Description: Michelia 'Fairy Blush', commonly known as Fairy Blush Magnolia, is a compact evergreen shrub or small tree renowned for its profuse, fragrant flowers and lush, glossy foliage. It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its ornamental value and relatively easy care.

Flowers:

• Blooms: Produces an abundance of small, pink buds that open to reveal creamy-white flowers with a pink blush. The flowers are borne in clusters and bloom from late winter to early spring.
• Fragrance: The flowers emit a delightful, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators and enhances the garden atmosphere.

Foliage:

• Leaves: Dark green, glossy leaves are elliptical and leathery, providing a lush, dense backdrop to the flowers. The foliage remains attractive year-round.

Form and Size:

• Size: Typically grows 3-4 meters tall and 2-3 meters wide, forming a dense, bushy habit.
• Habit: Compact and upright, with a rounded shape that makes it suitable for small gardens, hedges, and container planting.

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Thrives in temperate to subtropical climates, making it suitable for various regions in Australia. It prefers mild winters and warm summers.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil enriched with organic matter. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Sunlight: Best grown in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates light shade but may flower less profusely in lower light conditions.
• Watering: Regular watering during the establishment phase is crucial. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but benefits from consistent moisture during dry periods.

Uses:

• Landscape Feature: Ideal as a specimen plant in gardens and parks, where its fragrant flowers and glossy foliage can be showcased.
• Hedges and Screens: Suitable for planting as a hedge or screen due to its dense growth habit and evergreen nature.
• Containers: Can be grown in large containers or pots on patios and balconies, provided they have sufficient space for root growth.

Maintenance:

• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Regular pruning helps maintain a tidy appearance and promotes bushier growth.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Monitor for aphids, scale insects, and fungal infections, especially in humid conditions.

Notes:

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In cooler regions of Australia, provide protection from frost to prevent damage to young shoots and flowers.

Companion Plants: Underplant with shade-loving perennials or ground covers like ferns or hostas to enhance the base of the plant and add visual interest

Michelia 'Fairy Blush' (Syn. Magnolia 'Fairy Blush')

Common Name: Fairy Blush Magnolia

Botanical Name: Michelia 'Fairy Blush' (Syn. Magnolia 'Fairy Blush')

Family: Magnoliaceae

Origin: Hybrid cultivar

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