Wait until the magnolia tree blooms for the first time. As with other magnolia species, pollination is facilitated by beetles. Lily magnolias do not need fertilizer when they are planted. Some evergreen magnolias are trained to a wall and should be pruned in the summer. So, the rule with magnolias is to avoid pruning them unless they are outgrowing their existing space. ... Black Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) — The Black Lily is a large magnolia shrub with lush, green foliage and a rounded crown. Do not prune in winter or early spring, as the tree may not produce any blossoms the following year. The flowers are sometimes followed by cone-shaped purple or brown fruit, called follicles. long (12 cm), count 9-18 tepals, purple-red on the outside, opening to reveal pale purple insides. Prune as needed immediately after flowering. Young evergreen magnolias are best trimmed in mid to late spring only when needed. Learn how to prune Magnolias from renowned pruning guru Cass Turnbull, founder of PlantAmnesty. Pruning Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf Pests May be damaged by horse chestnut scale, snails or capsid bug Diseases May be affected by coral spot, grey mould, honey fungus, a virus, fungal leaf spot or iron deficiency and lime-induced chlorosis Did you find the information you were looking for? It blooms in early spring and sporadically into fall, with goblet-shaped, deep pinkish-red flowers that are 7 to 9 inches long. Afterward, they benefit from a spring feeding of slow-release fertilizer, applied as the flower buds begin to develop. Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) doesn’t bloom until the summer. With some exceptions, pruning really is not widely considered a must (or even desirable) for this popular flowering tree. Magnolia Magnolia. N.C. Take the cuttings from growing tips of the branches, then remove all but the upper leaves. Fleshy root system is easily damaged during transplanting, so it is best to select a landscape location carefully and leave this magnolia undisturbed once planted. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 17 Types of Flowering Trees for Home Landscaping, 12 Common Species of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs. They are collectively called "The Girls" since they were given female names: 'Ann,' 'Betty,' 'Jane,' 'Judy,' 'Pinkie,' 'Randy', 'Ricki,' and 'Susan.'. Place the container in a loose plastic bag and set it in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Lily magnolia is a somewhat temperamental shrub when it comes to garden conditions, preferring ideal soil and consistent, regular moisture throughout the year. Plants in this series flower about 2-4 weeks later than M. stellata and M. x soulangiana, thus reducing the risk of damage to flowers from late spring frosts. Goblet-shaped flowers, each with 6 slightly twisted tepals, bloom shortly before the foliage begins to appear. Young deciduous magnolias rarely require pruning apart from removing weak or damaged branches or long vertical shoots. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. ‘Susan’ is a cross between M. liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and M. stellata ‘Rosea’. The Little Girl Series flowers about 2-4 weeks from mid-April to early May. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Plant lily magnolia shrubs in a full-sun to part-shade location with rich, moist, slightly acidic soil. Lily magnolia is best planted in a semi-sheltered area that is protected from strong winds and cold temperatures. This is a large, narrow-pyramidal, deciduous single trunk tree with ascending branching. 'Galaxy' is a hybrid magnolia (M. liliiflora ‘Nigra’ x M. sprengeri ‘Diva’ which was crossed by the U.S. National Arboretum in 1963 and subsequently introduced into commerce by them in 1980. Magnolia ‘Jane’ blooms on old wood so pruning immediately after flowering is recommended. Also appreciates a location protected from strong winds, but avoid warm southern exposures which may promote premature bud opening in spring. If you prune too late, it will reduce flowering the following spring. Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' Lily Magnolia. Also, regular pruning encourages more blooms. Ann magnolia trees are prized for their large, fuchsia and goblet-shaped blossoms that bloom prolifically from early spring to fall. This variety grows to a … ‘Susan’ is primarily noted for its compact shrubby habit, fragrant fuchsia flowers and late bloom (mid-April to early May). Upright open branching habit and large two-toned, dark purple-red outside and pink inside. Do this as soon as possible after flowering to secure setting of flower buds for the following year. Deciduous shrubby tree. Pruning the magnolias however was not going to give a good outcome for the homeowners, the view or the tree. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Lily magnolia, Japanese magnolia, Mulan magnolia. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). form a strategic partnership called N.C. It is part of the Little Girl series (‘Ann’, ‘Betty’, ‘Jane’, ‘Judy’, ‘Pinkie’, ‘Randy’, ‘Ricki’ and ‘Susan’) of hybrid magnolias that were developed at the National Arboretum in the mid-1950s by Francis DeVos and William Kosar. There are two basic methods for pruning evergreen Abelia shrubs - depending upon whether or not regular maintenance has been carried out. Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ is a stunning variety, with narrow, tulip-shaped flowers, which with their dark purple hue have an understated class and beauty. Lily Magnolia grows as a large shrub, or small tree branching from the base. Depending on your climate and variety, this could be in spring or summer. So, the rule with magnolias is to avoid pruning them unless they are outgrowing their existing space. Magnolia trees sometimes go by a different name -- tulip trees. Credit: Denny Schrock. Prune a second time in mid-summer to cut back on the current season's growth. Botanical name. This is not a plant that tolerates poor soil. How to Prune a Magnolia Tulip Bush. Try to position it where it will be protected from strong wind and the coldest winter temperatures. But don't plant it next to the home, where artificial warmth may cause the buds to open too early in the spring. February is a wise time to prune, but don't wait until March, as this is when blossoming begins. 1 medium tree (most trees 1.5-2 metres in height) or 2-4 small trees: £11.95 + vat. It has a compact, rounded form and produces a massive display of lily-shaped pink or reddish-purple flowers with six or seven petals, with each petal 3 to 4 inches long. The plant does best in moist, rich soils that are slightly acidic and well-drained. Prune up to 1/3 of a magnolia bush each season all the way back to the ground to encourage new growth from the base of the plant. Keep the cuttings moist and grow them in the containers for several months until a good root network has developed. T HOUGH MAGNOLIAS generally need little pruning, there are two things to keep a particular eye out for: Since almost all magnolias are still sold as grafted plants, Andrew says, be sure to prune out any shoots that may sprout at the base, emerging from the rootstock.. Lily magnolia grows to a mature height of 8 to 12 feet with a similar spread. Be aware that each magnolia can respond differently to pruning. Another is 'Star Wars,' a hybrid of M. campbellii and M. liliiflora, with large, rosy-pink flowers up to 11 inches across. Deciduous magnolias should be pruned between midsummer and early fall. They can then be transplanted into the garden in fall. Also, avoid southern exposures where the buds may open too early in spring. Learn how to grow magnolias in your garden with the RHS expert guide on choosing, planting, feeding, pruning and propagating plants. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Water the shrub regularly throughout the year for the first few years, and cover the root zone with mulch to balance out soil moisture levels and temperatures. It has these beautiful deep pink flowers, a more upright shape like a champagne flute. It was a fresh important from Japan And the best of tree at the nursery. When a magnolia is pruned it loses its naturally rounded shape. Pruning . Part of the series: Tulip Planting Guide. Where the stems are cut the plant sends up vertical growth. Pruning can also cause flowering to reduce for a couple of years. The basic routine pruning is little other … Plant the cuttings in small containers filled with moist perlite. Jane Magnolia is a hybrid magnolia in the Little Girl Series created at the National Arboretum by crossing M. liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and M. stellata ‘Rosea’. Its fall foliage is not showy. It's also good for group plantings or as an informal hedge or screen. If you choose to prune, try to retain the character of the tree. Magnolias generally do not respond well to severe pruning, but when the shrub becomes overgrown or when there are dead or damaged branches, prune it immediately after it flowers. The best time to prune a magnolia is early to mid summer because this will avoid the cuts bleeding which can be an easy site for infection. Perfect for small gardens, Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' is a spreading deciduous shrub or small deciduous tree of rounded habit with deep lustrous green leaves and slightly fragrant, dark reddish-purple flowers in late spring. It is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub or small tree that typically rises over time to 8-12’ tall. Another multi-stemmed magnolia that will need pruning guidance as a young tree, it’s the exception to the usual pruning time rule for magnolias. Magnolia pruning should be carried out in midsummer when in full leaf Deciduous Magnolias are best planted when dormant, in late fall or winter in warmer climates and early spring in cold climates. Best grown in organically rich, neutral to slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. As one of the smaller magnolias, it is popular for informal screens or hedges and as a specimen plant grown for its spring flower display. It is moderately drought-tolerant once the roots have had a chance to firmly anchor themselves after several years. Variety or Cultivar 'Nigra' _ 'Nigra' is a compact deciduous tree with dark purple-red, tulip shaped flowers which appear in spring from an earlier age than most other magnolias. Prune your star magnolia after it blooms to help shape it within the first 5 years after you plant it. Flowers over long blooming season. For one thing, magnolia trees do not heal as well as most trees from pruning cuts (which can lead to the introduction of diseases), and, for another, you can easily spoil the looks of a magnolia tree by getting carried away in pruning it. But if you still decide to prune, consider this advice: This is a common scenario and trees usually come off second best to the view. For example, the U.S. National Arboretum created eight different varieties by crossing 'Nigra' with Magnolia stellata 'Rosea.' If you prune too late, it will reduce flowering the following spring. The time after the first bloom is the only time you should do any significant pruning on your magnolia tree. Prune as needed immediately after flowering. Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' Other names. The lily magnolia (Magnolia lililflora) is a large deciduous shrub (or small tree) that sports profuse pink or reddish-purple blossoms in April and early May, just before the leaves appear. Make a 2-inch vertical slice in the end of the stem, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Cut down limbs that are noticeably longer than other branches and trim all branches back to a size that is appropriate to your yard or garden. Usually requires little pruning other than the removal of dead or damaged branches. Magnolias generally do not respond well to severe pruning, but when the shrub becomes overgrown or when there are dead or damaged branches, prune it immediately after it flowers. You can prune old shrubs if ill, or trim them to shape or to reduce size, or make an elementary cut to young plants of unsightly or unhealthy appearance. Flowers may sporadically repeat bloom in mid-summer. Flowers (to 5” wide) are purple-red or fuchsia, with paler tones inside. The fleshy root system is easily damaged during transplanting, so it is best to select a landscape location carefully and leave this magnolia undisturbed once planted. Leaves turn yellow-bronze in fall. later than other species of magnolia mitigating loss of flower buds from late frosts. Black lily magnolia. If you have planted a hybrid variety, the plants resulting from the seeds may be different from the parent plant. Ovate medium green leaves (to 6” long). Delivery Costs. Narrowly tulip-shaped, the upright blossoms, up to 5 in. Usually requires little pruning other than removal of dead or damaged branches. Don't attempt to stretch the zone 5 to 9 hardiness range recommendation; even the northern part of zone 5 can sometimes be borderline for this plant, with spring flowers easily killed off by early spring cold spells. Pruning magnolia trees is useful to shape them as they grow. Pruning a magnolia will not damage it but it will encourage the growth of wispy shoots which detract from the shape of the plant. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The shrub's dark green elliptical-shaped leaves appear as its flowers fade. You can propagate this magnolia by taking cuttings or planting the seeds. The fleshy root system is easily damaged during transplanting, so it is best to select a landscape location carefully and leave this magnolia undisturbed once planted. Pruning these multi-stemmed shrubs can help to train the plant to grow as a specimen tree. Wait until the dormant season to prune your star magnolia. Once established, lily magnolia is moderately tolerant of temporary dry conditions, but pamper it during prolonged droughts. Magnolia LiLiiflora Lily Magnolia Features: An Overview. Vanessa Richins Myers is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space. magnolia pruning. It is a cross between star magnolia and the M. liliiflora. Magnolia 'Ann' mag-NO-lee-ah Audio This hardy cross between M. liliiflora and M. stellata is an open, deciduous shrub up to 20 feet tall and wide. Knowing when to prune magnolia trees is important. Heavy soils should be amended with peat moss or compost before planting. Regular water needs once established. Usually requires little pruning other than the removal of dead or damaged branches. Water after laying the compost and it will start to leach into the soil. Also purchased this year when the buds were amazingly purple. Don’t give it a haircut of uniformity. Frankly, the only reason I can think of to prune any of the deciduous magnolias is due to damaged or crossing branches. Appreciates a root-zone mulch to help retain soil moisture. Avoid pruning in late winter to early spring. Lily magnolia is most often grown as a specimen or accent plant in sunny areas. Botanical Name: Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' Common Name: Lily Magnolia; Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade 1 small tree (most trees under 1.5 metres in height) : £9.95 + vat. To propagate from cuttings, use a sterilized pruner to take 6- to 8-inch cuttings in early summer after the buds have set. In addition to these popular cultivars, 'Nigra' is often crossed with other Magnolia species to produce new hybrids. If you grow it from seed, it can take a Lily Magnolia up to 10-15 years to reach maturity. Lily magnolia is a relatively problem-free shrub, and those problems that do occur are rarely life-threatening. Light gray to brown bark; susceptible to powdery mildew. This species is one of the smallest found in the Magnolia genus, which is why people with small gardens prefer it. The small tree or large shrub Magnolia “Jane” is a hybrid magnolia. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring. Pruning for Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' should be carried out in mid-summer to early autumn. Mulching the root zone will help moderate soil temperatures and moisture levels. Shorten long, young branches and remove lower boughs if you desire a bare stem. ... Magnolia liliiflora nigra Ian_Redding / Getty Images Common Pests/ Diseases . Genus. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. The tree is a cross between Yulan magnolia (Magnolia heptapeta) and lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), both of which hail from Japan. The flowers are great but the tree was more beautiful just before they opened due to the contrast between the purple and the bark. Pruning can also cause flowering to reduce for a couple of years. A cross between a Magnolia liliiflora and a Magnolia stellata, an Ann magnolia is a deciduous flowering shrub or tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall with an equal spread. For best flowering, lily magnolia requires a site with full sun, though it also grows adequately in part shade. Another favourite is Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' (Lily Magnolia). Place a 2-inch layer of compost on the soil over the root ball in late winter or early spring. Prune as needed immediately after flowering. Prolonged drought may kill this shrub.