Magnolia – Cameo

Description

Magnolia ‘Cameo’ – Compact Upright Magnolia

Striking Tulip-Shaped Flowers in Deep Burgundy-Purple with Cream Interiors

Botanical Name: Magnolia ‘Cameo’

Common Name: Cameo Magnolia

Origin: New Zealand hybrid (Magnolia soulangeana x Magnolia liliiflora)

Description:

Magnolia ‘Cameo’ is a compact, deciduous hybrid magnolia bred in New Zealand for its stunning floral display, upright growth habit, and suitability for smaller gardens. It features large, tulip-shaped flowers in a distinctive deep burgundy-purple on the outside with creamy white interiors – a unique and eye-catching contrast that appears in mid to late spring.

Unlike many larger magnolias, ‘Cameo’ maintains a neat, upright form, making it perfect for narrow garden beds, feature planting in smaller landscapes, or decorative containers. The flowers appear on bare branches before the leaves emerge, giving a dramatic early-season show. Its glossy green foliage follows the flowering period, providing lush summer coverage and light seasonal colour in autumn.

‘Cameo’ is slow-growing but forms a strong, upright structure with minimal pruning, requiring little maintenance once established. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers a sheltered position protected from strong winds and late frosts.

Specifications:

• Height at Maturity: 3 – 4 metres

• Width at Maturity: 2 – 3 metres

• Growth Habit: Upright, columnar to oval shape

• Foliage: Deciduous – mid-green, ovate leaves with slight autumn yellowing

• Flowering Time: Mid to late spring (September–October in Australia)

• Flowers: Upright, tulip-shaped; burgundy-purple exterior, creamy interior; lightly fragrant

• Bark: Smooth grey when young, becoming lightly textured with age

Position & Uses:

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade

• Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils – slightly acidic preferred

• Uses:

◦ Feature tree in small to medium gardens

◦ Courtyard or narrow space planting

◦ Ornamental container specimen

◦ Accent in mixed borders

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Care & Maintenance:

• Water regularly during establishment

• Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Prune only to maintain shape – minimal pruning required

• Protect from harsh wind and late frosts during flowering

Climate Suitability:

• Performs best in cool to temperate climates

• Frost tolerant once established

• Avoid excessively hot, dry positions

Key Features:

• Unique bi-colour tulip-like blooms

• Compact upright form – perfect for limited spaces

• Mid to late spring flowering extends magnolia season

• Low-maintenance and highly ornamental

Add a refined splash of spring colour to your garden with Magnolia ‘Cameo’, available now at Blerick Tree Farm.