Magnolia sprengeri var. diva ‘Diva’ (Sprenger’s Magnolia)

Magnolia sprengeri var. diva ‘Diva’ is an elegant deciduous shrub or small tree with strongly fragrant, saucer-shaped, deep rose-pink flowers. Blooming in early to mid-spring before the foliage emerges, the magnificent, blossoms are opulent, large, 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), and create one of the most breathtaking sights when in bloom. Each blossom counts up to 14 tepals, which gracefully curve in at their tips. Deep rose-pink on the outside, the tepals are pale pink on the inside. The foliage of obovate leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), is dark green with silvery pubescence underneath. ‘Diva’ blooms profusely at a young age and makes a dramatic specimen tree. It flowers late enough to escape most 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).

• Grows upright with an overall oval habit up to 50 ft. tall (15 m) and 30 ft. wide (9 m)
• 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 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 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 softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and fall