White champaka (champi) Magnolia × alba
White champaka (champi) (Magnolia × alba) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Magnoliaceae family, native to Arose in cultivation in Java or South China (M. champaca × M. montana). It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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White champaka (champi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flowers (scenting tea) |
| Native to | Arose in cultivation in Java or South China (M. champaca × M. montana) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇮🇳 India |
Is White champaka (champi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Magnolias are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
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 White champaka (champi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about White champaka (champi)
- How far apart should I plant White champaka (champi)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does White champaka (champi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does White champaka (champi) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is White champaka (champi)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does White champaka (champi) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is White champaka (champi) 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 as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
- What grows well with White champaka (champi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for White champaka (champi). 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).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Slender ivory flowers with a heady perfume, threaded into garlands and temple offerings across South-east Asia. Formerly Michelia × alba.
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
- Star magnolia (shidekobushi) Magnolia stellata
- Lily magnolia (mulan) Magnolia liliiflora
- Kobushi magnolia Magnolia kobus