Kobushi magnolia Magnolia kobus
Kobushi magnolia (Magnolia kobus) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Magnoliaceae family, native to Japan and Jeju Island, Korea. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
Plan Kobushi magnolia in your garden →
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Kobushi magnolia at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan and Jeju Island, Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Kobushi magnolia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Magnolias are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
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 Kobushi magnolia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Kobushi magnolia
- How far apart should I plant Kobushi magnolia?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Kobushi magnolia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kobushi magnolia need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Kobushi magnolia?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Kobushi magnolia flower?
- From about March for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kobushi magnolia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Magnolias are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Kobushi magnolia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kobushi magnolia. 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).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Its white blossom on bare branches was the traditional signal to Japanese farmers that it was time to sow rice; young trees can take ten years or more to flower.
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
- Champak Magnolia champaca
- White champaka (champi) Magnolia × alba
- Star magnolia (shidekobushi) Magnolia stellata
- Lily magnolia (mulan) Magnolia liliiflora