Scientific Name
Magnolia liliiflora Desr.
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
Common Name(s)
Lily Magnolia, Purple Lily Magnolia, Mulan Magnolia, Purple Magnolia, Red Magnolia, Tulip Magnolia, Jane Magnolia, Woody Orchid
Scientific Classification
Family: Magnoliaceae
Subfamily: Magnolioideae
Genus: Magnolia
Origin
Magnolia liliiflora is native to southwest China (in Sichuan and Yunnan) but has been cultivated for centuries elsewhere in China and Japan.
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.

Cultivars of Magnolia liliiflora
How to Grow and Care for Magnolia liliiflora
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 6a to 9b: from -10°F (-23.3°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C).
Although different Magnolia species can tolerate varying conditions, they generally do best in slightly acidic, moist, loose, well-drained 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, as the leaves can be damaged by winter sun and the 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 they look small when planted, they'll grow to fill space over time.
Some varieties of Magnolia don't bloom until they are 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.
Links
- Back to genus Magnolia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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