This is one of our most fragrant plants in our collection. Related to Magnolias, the flowers of this tree are extremely fragrant. Fragrant enough, they use the oil from this flower to make the popular Chanel 5 perfume "Joy". One of the few evergreen tree choices in our area, not too difficult to grow. They come in 2 varieties: White flower (grafted) and orange/yellow flower (seedling). Great tree to add to your tropical collection. Just make sure you follow our growing tips below.
 
 
Magnolia Champaca ( Perfume tree )- Growing Tips:
 
Best time to plant: Anytime the night temperatures are at least 50F and expected to rise. Never plant close to winter.
 
Sun: If temperatures reach 95F+, provide shade until tree is fully established in ground. In containers, they like filtered light like under shade cloth.
 
Winter: Will tolerate cold down to zone 6-5. No winter protection.
 
Growth Structure: Tree like upright growth up to 15-20ft. 
 
Flowering/Fruiting: WHite flower grafted variety will readily flower every year around summer time. Yellow/orange grown from seed will take a few years before it starts flowering.
 
Pollination: Self-pollinating.
 
Root System: Deep roots.
 
Watering: Water frequently using the finger method its first year in ground and deep water as it gets older. Videos available on this topic in our youtube channel.
 
Fertilization: Any slow-release fertilizer will work. We personally use Osmocote slow-release fertilizer in containers. In ground, any organic material such as compost will work.
 
Container grown: This plant does ok in a container but not long term. For best results, plant in the ground.
 
Personal Growing Tips: Champak is really not that hard to grow. The main challenge you will encounter is providing shade until the plant is older. Some sources say this plant needs acidic soil. We find that to be NOT accurate as our Champak is growing well and has been for the past 3 years in 8.0 ph alkaline clay soil. Orange/yellow seedlings tend to be hardier and grow faster than white flower grafted. But they tend to take longer to flower.