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For: Pensacola News Journal

Feb. 11, 2001

by: Daniel E. Mullins

Extension Horticultural Agent

Santa Rosa County

Deciduous Magnolias Are Striking Accent Plants

The Asian, or Japanese magnolias, are among the first of the landscape shrubs to flower in our area. They are a welcome sight during February, blooming a month ahead of azaleas, spiraeas and other spring flowering woody ornamentals. Healthy, well established plants make outstanding accent plants in informal landscapes.

There appears to be some confusion concerning names for this group of plants. Locally, they are often referred to as tulip trees. This misnomer is probably due to the shape of the open flowers, which are tulip shaped. The real tulip tree is tulip poplar, which is not closely related. It is a large growing native tree that can reach a height of eighty feet.

They should not be confused with other magnolias such as the southern magnolia or sweetbay magnolia. These are both broadleaved evergreens and are native to the Gulf Coast.

The Asian magnolias in general are relatively slow growing, broad spreading large shrubs or small trees reaching a maximum height of about 20 feet. They are deciduous, meaning that they shed their leaves during late summer and fall. They flower very early in the year because flower buds are formed during the late summer and fall of the previous year. These flower buds are carried over on bare stems, conditioned during the winter and flowering is then triggered by either day length or rising temperatures in February.

There are several species with many cultivars and hybrids. Magnolia stellata and its progeny are known as the Star Magnolias. Considering our Florida environmental conditions, they are the best adapted of all deciduous magnolias.

There are many Star Magnolia cultivars from which to choose. The so called “Little Girl Hybrids” include Ann, Betty, Judy, Randy, Ricky, Susan, Jane and Pinky. They are listed here in order of their flowering sequence. Flower characteristics vary with the cultivar and range from 2 to 6 inches in diameter, and in color from pink to purple. Ann, Susan and Jane are being produced in Florida. Susan is the favorite of many growers. Other good cultivars include Centennial, Rosea Jane Platt, Leonard Messel, Merril, Royal Star and Waterlily.

Magnolia soulangiana makes up the largest and best known category of deciduous magnolias. They are broad spreading small trees that are well adapted to northern Florida. Flowers vary by cultivar, ranging from white to pink to purple. Some good cultivars include Alexandrina, Brozzonii, Deep Purple Dream and Grace McDade.

The Gresham hybrids are an interesting group because they produce the largest plants, as well as the largest flowers and leaves. Some produce saucer-shaped flowers that are up to 12 inches in diameter. Some of the best cultivars now growing in Florida include Dark Shadow, Darrell Dean, Full Eclipse, Heaven Scent, Pink Goblet, Royal Crown and Winelight.

Deciduous Magnolia Growing Tips

n Select cultivars, or varieties based upon how they will be used in the landscape. Factors to consider include flower color that is compatible with the existing landscape, a size at maturity that is in scale with its surroundings and time of flowering.

n They are best used as specimen or accent trees or large shrubs. Smaller growing cultivars can be incorporated into foundation plantings, shrub borders or grown in containers.

n Select planting sites that provide full sunlight or partial shade - never deep shade.

n Avoid exposed, windy locations because strong winds can damage the large flowers and typically brittle branches.

n Moist, but well drained soils are preferable. Although adaptable to clay, loam or sandy soils, they are intolerant of wet or poorly drained soils.

n All magnolias are sensitive to excessively deep planting. During installation, make certain that the top of the root ball is no deeper than the surrounding soil surface.

Question of the Week: Is it too late for pruning crapemyrtles?