Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

$280.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 300L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.4m – 1.8m Approx.
100L: 2.4m – 2.8m Approx.
300L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m to 10m (approx.)

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is the narrowest of the evergreen magnolias, holding a tight columnar form that delivers the large fragrant creamy-white flowers and glossy bronze-backed foliage of the species in roughly half the width. It solves the problem of wanting a magnolia in a space that cannot take one.

'Alta' grows to 6 to 10 metres tall at 30 to 50 centimetres per year, with dense branching that holds low to the ground rather than lifting into a canopy. Flowers appear through summer and into autumn, and the deep green leaves with rich bronze undersides give strong contrast in any light.

'Alta' grows in full sun and tolerates light to moderate frost once established. Because it holds density from the base and stays narrow, it is one of the few evergreen feature trees that also works as a formal screen along a boundary or driveway without regular trimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

How tall does Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' grow?

'Alta' grows to 6 to 10 metres tall with a distinctly narrow columnar habit. It is the most upright and space-efficient of the commonly grown evergreen magnolias.

How is 'Alta' different from 'Little Gem' or 'Teddy Bear'?

'Alta' is taller and considerably narrower. 'Little Gem' and 'Teddy Bear' are compact and rounded, while 'Alta' grows as a tall column, which makes it the right choice for screening and tight spaces.

When does 'Alta' flower?

Large fragrant creamy-white flowers appear through summer and into autumn. Flowering is sporadic rather than all at once, which extends the display over several months.

Can 'Alta' be used as a screen?

Yes. It holds dense foliage from ground level and stays narrow, so a row of 'Alta' forms an evergreen screen with far less width and trimming than most alternatives.

How fast does 'Alta' grow?

'Alta' grows at a moderate 30 to 50 centimetres per year. It is not a fast screen, but it is dense and requires little correction once established.

How far apart should I plant 'Alta' for a screen?

Plant 2 to 2.5 metres apart for a continuous evergreen screen, or 3 to 4 metres apart where each tree should read as an individual feature.

Is 'Alta' frost tolerant?

'Alta' handles light to moderate frost once established. Protect young plants through their first winter in colder inland districts.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Screening or Privacy
Avenue Planting
Shade Tree

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' Evergreen or Deciduous?

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m to 10m (approx.)

Mature Width: 3m to 4m

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' frost tolerant?

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' Flower?

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Alta’ produces large, creamy-white, lemon-scented flowers from late spring through summer, with intermittent blooms into early autumn. The upright, cup-shaped flowers stand out beautifully against the dense, glossy green foliage, creating a refined and long-lasting seasonal display.

Does Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer
Autumn

Flower Type:

Bell-shaped
Clustered
Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

White

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' an Australian Native Tree?

No

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is Native to A cultivated form of Magnolia grandiflora, which is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows naturally in moist forests and coastal plains.

What is the Wildlife Value of Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' ?

Its large, nectar-rich flowers attract bees, beetles and pollinating insects, while the dense evergreen canopy provides year-round shelter and nesting habitat for small birds. The seeds that develop within the fruiting cones are also eaten by birds and contribute to garden biodiversity.

How much Sunlight does Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' need?

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Alta’ performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic loam or sandy loam soils. It may struggle in heavy clay, alkaline or poorly drained ground unless improved with organic matter to enhance soil structure and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support strong evergreen growth, narrow form and reliable flowering.

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' Drought Tolerant?

Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Alta’ develops good drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry and urban environments and maintains its narrow, columnar form with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods.

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How To Plant Your Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, keep the root zone consistently moist with weekly deep watering and additional water during hot dry spells.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for scale or sooty mould in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' in Different Soil

Magnolia grandiflora performs best in rich, well-drained loam with a slightly acidic pH and consistent moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage and organic matter are managed well.

Sandy soil: Free-draining but enrich heavily with compost and mulch deeply to hold moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent flowering.

pH: Slightly acidic preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter or pine bark to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Q: When does Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' bloom? A: The tree blooms in late spring to summer, producing large, fragrant white flowers.

Q: Is Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' drought tolerant? A: Yes, the tree is tolerant of drought once established.

Q: What is the mature size of Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta'? A: The tree can reach a height of 12-18 meters and a width of 4-6 meters.

Q: Can Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' be used as a screen or shade tree? A: Yes, the tree is suitable for use as a screen or shade tree, and its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.