Magnolia 'Eric Savill' Magnolia sprengeri var. diva 'Eric Savill'

Water

The Eric Savill Magnolia should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to be moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water this magnolia once a week with about 1-2 gallons, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Reduce watering to every two weeks or less during the dormant winter period, but ensure the soil does not completely dry out. Always check the soil moisture at a depth of a few inches to determine if additional water is needed. Overhead watering is not advised; instead, water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.

Light

The Eric Savill Magnolia thrives in a spot with full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight but will appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter climates. The plant can be affected by leaf scorch if exposed to excessive sunlight in peak summer, so a location that provides a balance of sunlight and dappled shade throughout the day is ideal.

Temperature

Eric Savill Magnolias prefer temperate climates and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They do best in areas where temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they are hardy and can survive brief periods of temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the magnolia from extreme cold, as temperatures well below freezing can damage the buds and flowers.

Pruning

Prune the Eric Savill Magnolia to maintain shape and remove any dead or broken branches. The best time to prune is soon after the flowering period has ended, to minimize the impact on blooming. Light pruning can be done to enhance the tree's natural form. It is not necessary to prune every year; inspect the tree annually and prune as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for 'Eric Savill' Magnolia is one that is rich, moist, and well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. An ideal mix would contain loamy soil, peat moss, and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Repotting

'Eric Savill' Magnolia trees do not require frequent repotting and are typically repotted every few years when they are grown in containers; otherwise, they are generally planted directly into the ground.

Humidity & Misting

'Eric Savill' Magnolia prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable and can thrive in the varying outdoor humidity conditions typical of the climates where it grows well.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and avoid dry heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil; partial to full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Magnolia sprengeri var. diva 'Eric Savill', also known simply as 'Eric Savill' magnolia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification, germinates in spring. The seedling stage involves the establishment of roots and the initial shoot growth, which then develops into a juvenile tree. This juvenile phase is marked by rapid vegetative growth and the absence of flowering. As the plant matures, it enters the adult stage, where it becomes capable of flowering and sexual reproduction; this typically occurs after several years of growth. Each spring, 'Eric Savill' magnolia produces large, pink, showy flowers before the leaves, which are followed by the development of cone-like fruit that contains the seeds. The mature tree can live for many decades, continuing to grow in size and produce flowers annually, with eventual senescence and decline in reproductive and vegetative vigor as it reaches the end of its lifespan.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Magnolia sprengeri var. diva 'Eric Savill' is commonly propagated through methods such as seed, cuttings, and grafting. However, the most popular and widely used method is grafting. This involves taking a cutting from a healthy 'Eric Savill' magnolia, typically a piece of stem around 4 to 6 inches long, and joining it to a rootstock of a different, but related, magnolia species. This is often done during the winter months when the plant is dormant. The grafted area is then wrapped to ensure it stays in place and to encourage the tissues of the scion and rootstock to fuse together. With proper care and conditions, the graft will take, leading to a new magnolia plant that combines the desired characteristics of 'Eric Savill' with the robustness of the chosen rootstock.