Scientific Name
Magnolia liliiflora Desr.
Common Name(s)
Lily Magnolia, Purple Lily Magnolia, Mulan Magnolia, Purple Magnolia, Red Magnolia, Tulip Magnolia, Jane Magnolia, Woody Orchid
Synonym(s)
Lassonia quinquepeta, Magnolia atropurpurea, Magnolia discolor, Magnolia gracilis, Magnolia obovata var. liliiflora, Magnolia plena, Magnolia polytepala, Magnolia purpurea var. liliiflora, Magnolia quinquepeta, Talauma sieboldii, Yulania japonica var. purpurea, Yulania liliiflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Magnoliaceae
Subfamily: Magnolioideae
Genus: Magnolia
Flower
Color: Pink to purplish
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Magnolia liliiflora is a bushy, rounded, deciduous shrub that grows up to 13 feet (4 m) tall with an equal spread. The leaves are up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
The fragrant flowers are pink to purplish, goblet-shaped, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) across, and produced in spring and sporadically through the summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 6a to 9b: from −10 °F (−23.3 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Although different species of Magnolia can tolerate slightly different conditions. They generally do best with slightly acidic, moist, loose, well-draining soil. To mimic Magnolia's natural conditions, amend heavy soil with peat moss and compost. Grow best in Zones 7-10, depending on variety, with a few cultivars hardy to zone 5. Full sun to partial shade. Moist, peaty soil can help Magnolias tolerate the full sun. If you're pushing the limits of cold tolerance, avoid planting Magnolias in southern exposure since the leaves can be damaged by the winter sun, and flowers may open prematurely. Magnolias benefit from irrigation in the first few years, and then they tolerate moderate drought.
They need room to grow to their full mature size and width. So, while looking small when planted, they'll grow to fill up space over time.
Some varieties of Magnolia don't bloom until 15 years old, so be sure to choose one that fits your needs and expectations. Grafted plants (rather than seed-grown) bloom sooner.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Magnolias.
Origin
Magnolia liliiflora is native to southwest China (in Sichuan and Yunnan) but has been cultivated for centuries elsewhere in China and Japan.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Magnolia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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