Magnolia ‘Ivory Chalice’

Magnolia ‘Ivory Chalice’ is a large deciduous shrub or small tree with exquisite, upright, chalice-shaped, ivory flowers, 6 in. across (15 cm), in late winter or early spring. Fragrant, the blooms appear on naked branches before the leaves unfurl. The foliage of obovate, dark green leaves turns to a coppery-bronze color in the fall before shedding to the ground. This Magnolia creates a dramatic scene in the garden when in full bloom. While very hardy, its blooms, like those of most early blooming Magnolias, are susceptible to late frosts.

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).

‘Ivory Chalice’ is a cross between Magnolia acuminata and Magnolia denudata.

• Grows with an upright habit when young but becomes pyramidal with age. Can reach up to 30-40 ft. tall and wide (9-12 m)
• 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 cold winds may damage buds and flowers. Late frosts may damage flower buds too.
• May be attacked by capsid bug, snails, horse chestnut scale, coral spot, 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 seed in autumn and spring, by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to fall