Magnolia ‘Solar Flair’

Magnolia ‘Solar Flair’ is a deciduous tree with masses of upright, deep yellow flowers in early spring. Each luminous flower, 5 in. across (13 cm), is tinged rosy-pink at the base. The blooms are borne on leafless branches since they emerge before the new leaves begin to unfurl. The foliage of elliptic, ovate leaves is medium green. ‘Solar Flair’ is a hybrid magnolia whose parents are M. x brooklynensis ‘Woodsman’ and M. ‘Gold Star’. An excellent ornamental tree to plant as a focal point in your landscape.

• Grows upright with a pyramidal habit up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 15-20 ft. wide (5-6 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 if the soil is moisture retentive. 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