Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’

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. Narrowly tulip-shaped, the upright blossoms, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), count 9-18 tepals, purple-red on the outside, opening to reveal pale purple insides. While this Magnolia flowers primarily in spring, it may continue to bloom sporadically for the rest of the summer. Introduced in Japan in 1861, this dwarf Magnolia makes an elegant, small specimen tree and ideal focal point.

• Grows with a compact, upright habit up to 8-12 ft. tall and wide (2-4 m)
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in consistently moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. 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 scale insects, coral spot, honey fungus, and phytophthora root rot.
• Spectacular as a specimen plant for dramatic 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 spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and fall