Champak Magnolia champaca
Champak (Magnolia champaca) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Magnoliaceae family, native to Indomalaya, from the Himalayan foothills to Indonesia. It grows 10–30 m (33–98 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Champak in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Champak at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Mature height | 10–30 m (33–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Indomalaya, from the Himalayan foothills to Indonesia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Champak toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Not reported as toxic to people; effects on cats and dogs are not documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Champak
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Champak
- How far apart should I plant Champak?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Champak need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Champak need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Champak?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Champak flower?
- From about April for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Champak poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as toxic to people; effects on cats and dogs are not documented.
- What grows well with Champak?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Champak. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Intensely fragrant flowers used in temple offerings and in perfume (joy).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora
- Tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifera
- Yulan magnolia Magnolia denudata
- White champaka (champi) Magnolia × alba
- Star magnolia (shidekobushi) Magnolia stellata
- Lily magnolia (mulan) Magnolia liliiflora
- Kobushi magnolia Magnolia kobus