Magnolia Plant List

To many, the word magnolia evokes romantic images of the moss-draped Deep South. While some species in this diverse group thrive only in balmy climates, many others are surprisingly well-suited to the cold and harsh conditions here. The large leaves of magnolias impart a lush, almost tropical appearance while the flowers are without rival in their size and profusion. Before their leaves emerge in April and early May magnolias burst into bloom in a range of colors from white to pink to yellow (yes, yellow!). Magnolias prefer a sunny location and moist, but well-drained soil. They do not tolerate poor drainage, salt or pollution. To protect the shallow, fibrous roots maintain a 2-3” layer of mulch over the root zone.

Name	Form	HxW	Description
Alexandrina	Spreading	20’x20’	Saucer-type magnolia with large, tulip-shaped flowers in April. Flowers are rose purple on the outside and white on the inside. Bold, medium green foliage.
Ann	Rounded	8’x8’	Little Girl Series of shrubby magnolia blooming 2-3 weeks later than star magnolia, reducing the risk of late frost injury. Fragrant, tulip-shaped reddish purple flowers in late April. Compact size makes this a great small specimen.
Ballerina	Spreading	20’x20’	Fragrant, star-like white flowers with a pale pink blush at the base of the petals. Similar to Dr. Merrill, but more compact inform and blooms a little later.
Betty	Rounded	12’x10’	Little Girl Series, see Ann. Reddish purple flowers with white interiors in late April.
Butterflies	Oval	20’x15’	Fluttering, tulip-shaped deep yellow flowers with red stamens in April.
Chrysanthemum	Rounded	7’x7’	This star magnolia has fluffy many-petaled flowers that resemble mums! Blooming in early to mid April the flower color lightens from rich pink to white. For most consistent flowering avoid southern exposures.
Dr. Merrill	Spreading	25’x25’	Fragrant, broad-petaled white flowers emerge in late spring before the leaves. Blooms 2 weeks later than star magnolia.
Genie	Pyramidal	12’x5’	Tulip-shaped dark maroon-purple colored blooms adorn this compact little tree in late April into May, and a second, smaller flush of bloom may occur in midsummer! Fantastic small specimen in front of the house or near the patio.
Jane	Rounded	12’x12’	Little Girl Series, see Ann. Fragrant, tulip-shaped flowers are white on the inside and lavender pink on the outside.
Lois	Rounded	25’x20’	Fragrant, non-fading lemon yellow tulip-shaped flowers in May. Lush soft green foliage and strong growth add to this tree’s appeal. From the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Marillyn	Rounded	10’x8’	Tulip-shaped, rich red-purple flowers have white interiors. Blooms in April. Avoid southern exposures. From the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Ricki	Rounded	10’x10’	Little Girl Series, see Ann. Large, long-petaled deep purple flowers are shaded white on the inner petals. Intermediate size between Ann and Jane.
Royal Star	Rounded	10’x8’	Fragrant, star-like pure white flowers in very early spring. Avoid southern exposures.
Saucer	Spreading	25’x25’	Tulip-shaped ivory and purple flowers in late April and early May, before leaves emerge. One of the most common magnolias in our area.
Wada’s Memory	Pyramidal	20’x15’	Tulip-shaped, fragrant white flowers in April may be up to 7 inches in diameter! Blooms well, even at a young age. The elliptical leaves turn golden in fall.
Yellow Lantern	Pyramidal	25’x15’	Tulip-shaped, Large (6-8” diameter) fragrant creamy yellow flowers in April. A robust, fast growing tree.