Hello Margaret, The Magnolias we sell are fully hardy in most areas of the UK, however the best indication of what will grow in your area is to see what is already there. Alternatively if you really get blasted by wind or freezing temperatures and you want plants that usually won't tolerate these conditions, then perhaps you need to create a shelterbelt, which will produce a microclimate. I'm sorry not to be more help. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Marilyn, These sound like Mason Bees, which really are very good guys in the garden. They do not swarm and will only sting if grabbed and they will ensure you have a bumper crop of fruit and flowers. As for the Magnolia/Hydrangea question, the flowers of nearly all the Hydrangeas will turn pink on alkaline soils. Some of the best include Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/hydrangea-macrophylla-endless-summer-pink=-bailmer/classid.2000011037/ Also if the soil is not too alkaline, you could grow any of the following Magnolias:- M.grandiflora http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-grandiflora-/classid.4124/ M. x loebneri Leonard Messel http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-%C3%97-loebneri-leonard-messel/classid.4144/ M.stellata http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/specimen-plants/magnolia-stellata-/classid.2000012898/ M. wilsonii http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-wilsonii-/classid.7928/ Finally, the following link will take you to our full list of shrubs that grow in alkaline soils and have scented flowers. http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/plcid.1/vid.10/vid.230/ I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Gill, Some Magnolias need neutral to acidic soil to thrive, while others are more tolerant of lime. They don't mind clay soil at all as long as it is not too heavy or waterlogged for any length of time. They flower best in full sun, but are tolerant of a little light shade. If you are growing it in a lawn, it will be really important that you make sure the grass is kept well away from the main stem and that it is kept well watered. I am not really sure which one would be best for your garden as they all tolerate clay soils, but we do have a lot more detailed information about each ones needs on the individual plant cards. I hope this helps.

G LUMSDON

........But is there a variety that will grow on my heavy alkaline soil? Thanks Gill

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Ann, Thanks for the lovely feedback - we do try to inspire! As for the Magnolia, I think it is always best to work with what you have rather than trying to fight it, so if you really, really want one, then get yourself a really big pot and grow it in there. Opt for one of the more compact types like :- M. Susan http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/specimen-plants/magnolia-susan/classid.2000012896/ M. liliflora Nigra http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-liliiflora-nigra/classid.4135/ They will never reach their full height in a pot, but as long as they are kept well fed and watered they will be happy in there for many years. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Thanks Helen, for both of your emails - I've decided on the pot option and ordered M liliflora 'Nigra'.

Ann Steward

Hello again Ann, One more thing.... If the soil is not too alkaline, you could grow any of the following Magnolias M.grandiflora http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-grandiflora-/classid.4124/ M. x loebneri Leonard Messel http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-%C3%97-loebneri-leonard-messel/classid.4144/ M.stellata http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/specimen-plants/magnolia-stellata-/classid.2000012898/ M. wilsonii http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-wilsonii-/classid.7928/ I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Helen Thank you for your help - I will do as you suggest. Laura

Laura Steed

Hello Laura, These are fully hardy so, although the optimum time for planting is spring or autumn, they can be planted out at any time of the year as long as the ground is not frozen. Therefore I would recommend you get it into the ground as soon as you can. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Margaret, it is rare to find larger sized Ceanothus as they are usually quite short-lived and don't normally live longer than 6 - 8 years. We do have a selection of larger shrubs on our site like Hamamelis, Hydrangeas, Magnolias, Acer, Cornus, Cotinus, Philadelphus, Syringa and Viburnum, so you may find something of interest. They will be listed in this section. http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/ I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello There, It can be risky, but many Magnolias will slowly recover from being cut back hard, although it will take a few years to regain its composure. If you have a spring flowering type, then the best time to tackle this is in mid summer after the flowers have faded. It is important that you do not prune them from late winter to summer as they are prone to 'bleeding'. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Samantha, I love all the Magnolias, but the ones with the cup-shaped flowers are my favourite. Magnolia Susan is relatively compact and has lovely dark coloured flowers - just click on the following link to go straight to it. http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/magnolia-susan/classid.4143/ If your soil is not strongly acidic or alkaline (you can check this with a simple test kit which we sell) then I would check the information on our site and pick one of the Magnolias that you like the look of best. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Albert, These plants really don't require any pruning, apart from removing wayward or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

It will really depend on the variety as some are naturally more vigorous than others, but as a very general rule, the 3 litre Magnolias are approximately 25 - 30cm in height, while the 5 litre Magnolias will be roughly 50 - 80cm tall.

Crocus