Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

4 other cultivars

tree

Cleopatra Magnolia

Magnolia x hybrida 'Cleopatra'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus Magnolia comprises deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs celebrated for their ancient lineage and large, fragrant flowers. These plants thrive in fertile, well-draining, acidic to neutral soils and prefer sheltered positions with full sun to partial shade.

'Cleopatra' is an upright, conical small tree featuring large, goblet-shaped blooms up to eight inches wide with a metallic red-purple sheen. The glossy, dark green foliage emerges with bronze-purple tinges, maintaining a dense and tidy habit ideal for restricted spaces.

Uses & Benefits:

Features striking metallic red-purple, goblet-shaped blooms and glossy dark green foliage.

Compact, upright growth habit makes it highly suitable for small gardens and tight urban spaces.

Provides early spring forage for bees and other generalist insect pollinators.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

157"

Width

98"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

New Zealand (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Late summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with shelter from strong winds.
Excavate a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare remains level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic matter, tamping gently to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply immediately after planting and apply a thick layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Maintain regular irrigation during dry spells, particularly during the first few growing seasons.

Pro Tip

Avoid burying the root flare when planting to prevent collar rot, and ensure consistent moisture during late summer bud set to secure the following spring's flower display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring.
Mulch annually to retain soil moisture and regulate root temperatures.
Water consistently during late summer when next year's flower buds are forming.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as recovery is extremely slow.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or chronically saturated.
Do not bury the root flare when planting or mulching.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen planting in lawns or courtyardsMixed shrub bordersUnderstory planting in woodland gardens

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Camellia Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cleopatra Magnolia questions

What zones can Cleopatra Magnolia grow in?

Cleopatra Magnolia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cleopatra Magnolia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cleopatra Magnolia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cleopatra Magnolia bloom?

Cleopatra Magnolia typically blooms in early spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cleopatra Magnolia need full sun?

Cleopatra Magnolia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.