Magnolia salicifolia ‘Wada’s Memory’ (Anise Magnolia)

Extremely floriferous and widely popular, award-winning Magnolia salicifolia ‘Wada’s Memory’ is a medium-sized deciduous tree of spectacular beauty in full bloom. Produced in profusion in early to mid-spring, the scented, semi-double white blossoms are tulip-shaped, upward-facing, and quite large, 7 in. across (17 cm). Each of them counts 6 long tepals, which open fully and gracefully droop at their tips, creating a dramatic floral display. Rich with an orange blossom fragrance, the blooms appear on naked branches before the leaves unfurl. Emerging bronze, the foliage of elliptic leaves fades to green with age before turning gold in fall. This cultivar is known for blooming at an early age. A standout tree in the landscape!

‘Wada’s Memory’ is a cross between M. kobus and M. salicifolia. While very hardy, its blooms, like those of most early blooming Magnolias, are susceptible to late frosts.

• Grows upright and conical when young but becomes more broadly pyramidal with age. Can reach up to 40 ft. tall (12 m) and 30 ft. wide (9 m)
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal 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 cold winds may damage buds and flowers. Late frosts may damage flower buds too.
• May be attacked by capsid bugs, snails, horse chestnut scales, coral spot, gray mold, and honey fungus.
• 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 seed in autumn and spring, by softwood cuttings from late spring to early summer or semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to fall