Magnolia ‘Spectrum’

A sister seedling of Magnolia ‘Galaxy’, award-winning Magnolia ‘Spectrum’ is a small to medium-sized conical tree adorned with a profusion of huge, tulip-shaped, dark pink flowers in mid to late spring. Opening from rich, purple-pink buds, the slightly fragrant flowers, 10-12 in. across (25-30 cm), count up to 12 tepals, deep reddish-purple outside, pinkish-white within. Since they bloom late enough, they usually escape early spring frost damage. ‘Spectrum’ is a multi-stemmed, upright, oval to rounded tree becoming broadly pyramidal as it matures, with a lovely 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 ‘Spectrum’ is the result of a cross between Magnolia liliiflora and Magnolia sprengeri ‘Diva’. It is ideal for small gardens.

• Grows up to 25 ft. tall and wide (8 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 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 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