Magnolia ‘Galaxy’

Unique in form and flower, award-winning Magnolia ‘Galaxy’ is a small deciduous tree adorned with a profusion of dark pink flowers in mid-spring. Opening from deep red-purple buds, the slightly fragrant, large flowers, 8 in. across (20 cm), count 12 tepals, light pinkish-purple outside, paler rose within. Since they bloom late enough, they usually escape the early spring frost damage. ‘Galaxy’ is a single-stemmed, upright tree with ascending branches and a distinct oval canopy of oval, dark green leaves.

Magnolia belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, which includes several popular species such as the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata), Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana), and Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana).

Magnolia ‘Galaxy’ results from a cross between Magnolia liliiflora and Magnolia sprengeri ‘Diva’. This Magnolia provides a spectacular and long-lasting display, becoming one of the glories of the spring garden.

• Grows with a narrow conical habit, up to 30-40 ft. tall (9-12 m) and 20-25 ft. wide (6-8 m)
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and recipient of a Gold Medal from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are also suitable for growth. Magnolias are adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils, but most grow poorly in wet or poorly drained soils. Provide a site sheltered from cold, dry winds, as buds and flowers may be damaged by cold winds. Late frosts may damage flower buds too.
• May be attacked by capsid bugs, snails, horse chestnut scales, coral spots, gray mold, and honey fungus.
• Spectacular as a specimen plant for dramatic early spring blooms. Great flowering tree for city gardens or cottage gardens.
• 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. Evergreen magnolias are best planted in early spring. For the first 6 to 12 months after planting, both types will benefit from mulch and regular irrigation during warm or dry weather.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer