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 • 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.
