Magnolia ‘Sunsation’

Offering a rich color blend, Magnolia ‘Sunsation’ is a deciduous tree with masses of upright, golden yellow flowers with a rosy-purple blushed base in mid to late spring. Each sunny flower is large, 7 in. across (17 cm). The blooms are borne on leafless branches as they emerge before the new leaves begin to unfurl. Since this hybrid magnolia flowers late in the season, its pretty blossoms rarely run the risk of damage from late frosts. The foliage of elliptic, ovate leaves is dark green.

• Grows upright with a pyramidal habit up to 20-25 ft. tall (6-8 m) and 6-8 ft. wide (2-3 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 cold winds may damage buds and flowers. 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