This new introduction from New Zealand has large yellow flowers but a bit of orange shading produces an amber color, which has inspired its name. As the parentage would indicate, bloom is delayed until late April and May so that late frosts are practically never a problem. (M. 'Yellow Bird' x M. x brooklynensis). Z. 5-9
Nicely budded Specimen Plants, grown in 5-gallon pots.

Multicolored flowers blend pink and yellow to form an overall peach color. From the late Phil Savage. (M. acuminata 'Fertile Myrtle' x M. sprengeri 'Diva'). Z. 5-9

We've often lusted after the huge flowers of M. 'Caerhays Belle', but this U.K. hybrid has proved intolerant of our cold winters as well as our hot summers. Now, thanks to the efforts of Dennis Ledvina, who infused 'Caerhays Belle' with hardy American genes from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's 'Yellow Bird', we can enjoy these legendary large, deep pink flowers on a hardy Magnolia. It has even bloomed after -20°F in Dennis' Wisconsin garden! Z. 5-9

We haven't seen the flowers yet on this complex hybrid from the late Phil Savage, but Phil's cultivar name gives us reason to look forward to the first flowers. The parentage is M. 'Helen Fogg' x M. acuminata ssp. cordata. As M. 'Helen Fogg' (M. denudata 'Sawada's Pink' x [M. x veitchii 'Peter Veitch']) is a pink-and-white bicolor, the combination with the yellow M. acuminata ssp. cordata should produce an interesting result. Phil thought enough of the result to christen it with such a tantalizing name. Z. 5-9
Plants grown in 5-gallon pots.

From the Arboretum Wespelaar in Belgium comes this new yellow Magnolia, which they claim is one of the best if not the best yellow Magnolia in their collection. 'Daphne' produces long-lasting, deep yellow, upright flowers at the ends of shoots well above the leaves. The habit is compact and it is smaller and yet more floriferous than other yellow Magnolias in their collection. Although this selection was made in Belgium, the Magnolia was actually raised from seed that they had received from American Magnolia breeder, August Kehr. (M. acuminata 'Miss Honeybee' x M. 'Gold Crown'). Z. 5-9

This great Magnolia from the late August Kehr was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society with its Gold Medal! Rich rose-pink flowers with a fine fragrance bloom so late that frost damage is nearly out of the question. Dr. Kehr described the color as light Neyron rose, but this does not do justice to the shimmering effect that the several shades of rose-pink create. When first opening, the buds can even show a bit of green, which only adds to the allure. And all this happens in very late April and through much of May—truly something new in horticulture! After a lifetime of hybridizing Magnolias, Dr. Kehr considered 'Daybreak' his finest creation, and, indeed, a plant blooming at one of our May Open Houses a couple years ago was the star of the show. PHS Gold Medal winner. (M. 'Woodsman' x M. 'Tina Durio'). Z. 5-9

Fragrant 10-12 in creamy white flowers reminiscent of M. denudata open late, avoiding frost. Unlike M. denudata, these flowers carry a stunning maroon blotch at the base of the petals. This multistemmed tree is quite vigorous. (M. veitchii x M. x soulangiana 'Lennei Alba'—Gresham). Z. 5-9

Unusual bone-white flowers are stained with vivid magenta-pink at the base and carry a stripe of the same bright color right to the tips. Flowers are produced early in the season, well before the leaves emerge. 'Fireglow' grows upright with a single trunk and thick, leathery leaves. From the late Phil Savage. Z. 5-9

Brilliant unfading flamingo-pink flowers open just before leaves emerge on a pyramidal tree from the late Phil Savage. The flowers have a Tulip shape which is retained until shattering. (M. acuminata 'Fertile Myrtle' x M. sprengeri 'Diva'.) Z. 5-9

Hybridized by the late Dr. Frank Galyon, 'Frank's Masterpiece' is a strong-growing, upright Magnolia. Flowers are 10-11 inches across and have unusually broad tepals colored deep red purple outside. Z. 5-9

A new dwarf Magnolia, perfect for smaller gardens! 'Genie' reaches only 10-13 feet tall and produces in spring small tulip-shaped flowers of deep maroon-purple on both sides of the petals. Spring flower buds are also noteworthy, being a sensational black-red. Heaviest bloom takes place in early spring, but 'Genie' also produces slightly lighter-colored flowers in midsummer, which is when we shot our photo. This introduction from New Zealand is the result of years of breeding with the goal of producing a smaller-growing Magnolia with richly colored flowers. PPAF. Z. 6-9

During our visit with the late David Leach in 1997, he was eager to show us this new selection, which is the first yellow Magnolia of smaller stature, reaching only 6 feet wide by 8 feet high in 10 years, perhaps twice as large at maturity. (Other yellow Magnolias generally form a small tree.) Flowers are a strong yellow, and they are produced in multiple terminal buds and even axillary buds from the trunk all the way to the tips of the branches. A plant in bloom is a huge globe of yellow, and the flowers keep opening for about 4 weeks. A truly exciting introduction. Z. (4)5-9

An introduction from the late David Leach, 'Golden Sun' sports strong yellow flowers of heavy substance that are a deeper yellow than his earlier hybrids. The flowers are borne in abundance and open almost flat to 7-8 inches in diameter. Z. 5-9

Parchment-yellow flowers are subtly striated with magenta and are complemented by a delightful fragrance. The flowers have unusually heavy substance and appear with the earliest leaves in late April and May, so late that there is virtually no chance of frost damage. There is frequently repeat bloom in summer. After 12 years in our garden it has reached some 15 feet in height with a spread of less than 8 feet, so it would seem suitable for a narrow spot. One of our favorite Magnolias, this Brooklyn Botanic Garden release honors a Brooklyn plant lover who mounted a campaign to save a neighborhood Magnolia grandiflora. Extremely rare in commerce. (M. x brooklynensis). Z. 4b-9

Snazzy white flowers sport a brilliant vertical red stripe on each petal. Several Asian Magnolia species have sparkling red-and-white flowers, but they all bloom early in the season and are subject to late frosts. This hybrid of late-blooming Magnolia 'Woodsman' and M. cylindrica allows us to enjoy these eye-catching flowers later in spring, when danger of frost is much reduced. We have noticed that there are even occasional blooms opening in summer, which is when we snapped our photo. Z. 5-8

The first yellow Magnolia, 'Elizabeth', came from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and here is a further development based on 'Elizabeth'. 'Lois' is a newer yellow Magnolia, noticeably darker than 'Elizabeth'. 'Lois' also blooms later than 'Elizabeth' but still before the leaves emerge. It grows as a vigorous, rounded tree to 20 feet or more. It also has a pretty rust-brown fall color. We are grateful to Dr. Lola Koerting, who made the original cross, for supplying scionwood to us. Formerly identified as Magnolia #11/60 (M. acuminata x M. #853 'Elizabeth' sibling). Z. 5-9

Another breakthrough in Magnolia breeding from the late August Kehr. This hybrid starts to flower in spring and continues to flower with hardly a break until frost. Indeed, we visited Dr. Kehr a few years ago in September and found this Magnolia full of deep purple flowers. ([M. liliiflora x M. cylindrica] x M.'Ruby'). Z. (5?)6-9

Highly double flowers have up to 16 tepals and are a rich coral-pink. A strong, fine fragrance adds to the appeal of this hardy selection from the late Phil Savage, one of the best Magnolias for the North. (M. acuminata 'Fertile Myrtle' x M. sprengeri 'Dark Diva'). Z. 4-9

An extended bloom period lasting up to a month produces great flower power on this complex hybrid from Dennis Ledvina. Tiny buds during the winter are wonderfully hardy, but they open—and that's the surprise—to large, wide-tepaled, bright pink flowers. The flowering period is prolonged because of the many secondary flower buds, which open after the primary buds, giving a whole second wave of bloom. Z. 5-9
Specimen Plants, grown in 5-gallon pots.

A rare hybrid of the Asian Magnolia globosa with our native Sweetbay bred by Todd Gresham and named in allusion to his home, Hill of Doves, in California. 'Porcelain Dove' is a mostly deciduous small tree with heaviest bloom in June and additional flowers appearing throughout the summer. The 4-inch white flowers open in late afternoon to reveal a ring of rich red stamens, and the fragrance is surpassed by no other Magnolia we know. Much hardier than expected, 'Porcelain Dove' survived undamaged and flowered normally after -22°F. in Pennsylvania. Plant this Magnolia where you will linger on a June evening, savoring its heady perfume. Z. 5-9

Rich Easter-purple color, both inside and out, with black shadings make this Magnolia one of our favorites. Flowers have the plump shape of the old 'Lennei', which adds to its appeal, and make their appearance in mid-April. Created by the late Dr. Frank Galyon of Knoxville, Tenn. (M. liliiflora 'Darkest Purple' x M. x soulangiana 'Lennei'). Z. 5-9

A color break in Magnolias! Large flowers with broad tepals open wide displaying a brilliant rosy pink on the exterior, and this vivid color carries through to the interior in shades of medium pink. Flowering begins late, avoiding most frosts. The tree blooms at a young age and is particularly floriferous. We have Dennis Ledvina in Wisconsin to thank for this oustanding new introduction, and Dennis reports that bloom can continue for up to six weeks. Truly outstanding! (M. 'Pink Surprise' x M. 'Daybreak'). Z. 5-9

Red flowers are about 5 inches across—not huge—but they are true scarlet red, without the magenta overtones frequently found in Magnolias. Bloom is generally late enough to avoid late frosts. This new introduction has just been selected by Tim Savage and Dennis Ledvina from Magnolias raised in Michigan by the late Phil Savage. (M. acuminata 'Fertile Myrtle' x M. sprengeri 'Dark Diva'). Z. (4?)5-9

A new introduction from New Zealand! Spectacular large, rich burgundy-red tulip-shaped flowers are produced freely in early spring. The blooms have white interiors, and they open out flat when mature, displaying the glowing colors to full advantage. (M. 'Vulcan' x M. denudata). Z. 6-9
Huge plants, grown in 5-gallon pots.

While most yellow Magnolias have cup or goblet-shaped flowers, 'Stellar Acclaim' has star-shaped flowers, like Star Magnolias, but larger. Color is light yellow with a little pink in the interior, and flowers have a pleasant fragrance. New leaves are red. From the late Dr. August Kehr, who once commented to us that when Magnolias leaf out with red leaves, it's often the mark of a distinguished selection, which we can indeed observe here! Z. 5-9

One of the late Dr. Kehr's last introductions, and he thought it was one of his best. Deep yellow flowers are produced on a small columnar tree with somewhat the shape of the old-fashioned Lombardy Poplar. To our knowledge, this is the first deciduous Magnolia with this shape, which makes it useful for small gardens and even perhaps as a street tree. As with all of Dr. Kehr's yellow Magnolias, bloom is late enough to avoid nearly all frosts. Z. 5-9
Nice, lightly branched plants.

This is the late August Kehr's very latest flowering yellow Magnolia. After a visit to Dr. Kehr's arboretum several years ago, noted Magnolia breeder Dr. Frank Galyon, declared that this excellent Magnolia was perhaps the best yellow that he had seen. It has a noticeable pink undertone that enhances the yellow, in Dr. Galyon's opinion. (M. 'Woodsman' x M. 'Elizabeth'). Z. 5-9
Plenty of flower buds set for next spring's bloom!

Buds the color of bittersweet chocolate open to reveal multi-hued flowers of purple, chartreuse, and rose. Its pastel shades are complementary, never garish. Visitors to our nursery never fail to be impressed with both its unusualness and its beauty. Flowering is delayed until early May so late frosts are almost never a problem, and 'Woodsman' is exceptionally hardy as well. It also grows more slowly than most other Magnolias, and yet it blooms even while still young. A truly eye-catching Magnolia rarely found in commerce. (M. acuminata x M. liliiflora). Z. 4-9

Brilliant yellow flowers with a greenish tinge at the base open with the leaves on this release from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Actually, it is also quite beautiful in the bud stage as the flower buds are held upright and are as much as 4 inches long and are colored rich yellow. The leaves are lush and very dark green. Flowering is late enough that frost damage is well nigh impossible. This easy-to-grow small tree also blooms while still young. Extra hardy, too. (M. acuminata x M. x brooklynensis 'Evamaria'). Z. 4-9

Candelabras of ivory-white buds, unmatched in elegance, appear in very early spring. A renowned Magnolia, extensively planted in temple gardens in China. Early flowers of this Chinese selection open with extra petals. Z. 5-9

This Yulan Magnolia at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College has often attracted notice for its unusual upright stance. Originally planted as a seedling grown from seed supplied by the Beijing Botanic Garden, in nearly 20 years it has reached 30 feet in height while spreading only 15 feet. Typical M. denudata at this age can have the same spread as its height. It has just now been christened with cultivar status and is recommended for planting in tight locations where a spreading plant would not fit. Z. 5-9

This fine Magnolia has it all—fragrant flowers which bloom late, tolerance of considerable shade, and extra hardiness—and we are pleased to notice that the last few years it has finally been receiving the attention it deserves. M. sieboldii is a handsome large shrub or small tree, and its particular glory are the scented white flowers with contrasting red stamens which bloom in late May and June. The downward-facing flowers have a long history of use as tea cottage decoration in Japan where they are placed in a wall-mounted container to be admired by guests seated below. Native to the forests of Japan and Korea, Magnolia sieboldii prefers a moist, well-drained soil and requires some shade. Z. 4-8

Magnolia 'Elizabeth' was the first hybrid yellow Magnolia, and we have always admired its handsome large leaves. This variegated sport was discovered at Princeton Nurseries here in New Jersey. On this sport many of the leaves are marbled and swirled with yellow, particularly early in the season—just another reason to enjoy this legendary Brooklyn Botanic Garden introduction. Primrose-yellow flowers of extraordinary beauty appear in late April on a vigorous small tree, which blooms while still young. (M. acuminata x M. denudata). Z. 5-9

This pretty selection has wonderfully fragrant flowers, which are also reported to be one of the largest flowers of all M. virginiana, and they open over an especially long period. This Magnolia has a nice upright-oval habit of growth, and of particular interest, the leaves remain evergreen, even after -20°F. Selected by Tennessee nurseryman Don Shadow from seed received from the legendary Joe McDaniel. Z. 5-9
Specimen Plants, grown in 5-gallon pots.

Yes, stunning near-black flowers, the darkest we have ever seen! More technically, the flowers are a very dark purple, the same shade as the "black" Tulips, and chalk-white interiors serve to highlight the dark exteriors. Better yet, flowers appear in late April and through much of May and have never been damaged by frost in our garden. Finally, M. x brooklynensis, a hybrid of M. acuminata and M. liliiflora is one of the hardiest garden hybrids and easily tolerates temperatures of -20°F without damage. We are indebted to Dr. Lola Koerting, former director of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Kitchawan Research Station, for supplying us with scionwood of this thrilling new introduction. Z. 4b-9

Multicolored flowers of strong yellow with shades of green are striped and striated throughout with purple—quite an eyeful! This U.K. introduction forms a vigorous-growing tree, reaching 20 feet or more. Z. 5-9