Plant of the Week – Magnolia

Magnolia

There are over 200 species of Magnolia, and thousands of cultivars to choose from.  Most of the Magnolias grown here bloom in the spring, and have very showy flowers.  The variety pictured here is called ‘Ann’, and is a dwarf variety.  It bears its flowers before the leaves come out.  Magnolias range in color from white, pink, purple, and even yellow.

Occasionally Magnolias will not bloom due to late frosts after the buds have already started to open. Planting a late flowering cultivar may help to avoid the frost, as well as proper siting.  Magnolias that get southern exposure usually show the most damage because the buds will open sooner.