Magnolias Come in a Variety of Colors

Due to many hybrids and crossing of hybrids there are many colors of magnolias that are very different than the original Star and Saucer Magnolias previously discussed.

One problem in the northern climates with the Star and Saucer Magnolias,   is often times the trees  bloom early and then the flowers are frozen off with a cold snap. (As we speak, the Saucer Magnolia in my yard is about to bloom, but cold weather is headed our way, which could freeze off the flowers.) Secondly, many of the magnolia varieties have insect pests such as scale  which could destroy a plant in a few seasons.

So commercial plant breeders and tree arborists have developed an extensive list of varieties, which bloom later, are  more resistant to insect and physiological problems, and have different colors and shapes to the flowers than the original species.

On the internet there are many great resources to locate  different hybrids of magnolia.  Most  garden centers and nurseries offer some of the ever-increasing number of hybrids.

To begin your search, check out some of the following:

Varieties of Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)

• 'Alexandrina' 25' tulip-shaped flowers, white inside, purle-pink outside; late bloom
• 'Rustica Rubra' 25' reddish purple flowers
• 'Purpleana' 25' reddish-purple, tulip shaped; early bloomer
• 'Athene' 18'X18' 10" flowers, white at tips/rosy-purple at base
• 'Daybreak' 20' X 20' flowers are purple-pink with white interior
• 'Elizabeth' 25' X 15'  yellow flowers
• 'Purple Hybrid' 10-12' very dark purple; 5" across flowers

Varieties of Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

• 'King Rose' 10' X 20' Deep purple star flower, very early bloomer
• 'Royal Star' 8-10' Early white star flowers, with pink tinge

Varieties of Kosar Magnolia hybrids (Magnolia liliflora 'Nigra' x stellata 'Rosea')
or (Magnolia liliflora ‘Nigra’ x M. stellata ‘Rosea’)

William F. Kosar and Dr. Francis de Vos made these crosses at the U.S. National Arboretum in 1955 and 1956. All of the varieties were given female names and have been collectively  nicknamed, "The Little Girl Magnolias".  These Kosar varieties are:

• ‘Jane’ reddish purple outside flower, creamy white inside
  
• Susan’ long slim purple petals which appear to twist


• ‘Betty’ red to purple flowers in mid to late April


• ‘Ann’ deep purple flowers, blooms earlier than ‘Betty’

Today there are many yellow flowering magolias being offered.  Two varieties are:

• Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Yellow Bird' late blooming long lasting yellow flowers
• Magnolia acuminata
x M. denudata ‘Butterflies’ canary yellow flowers