Magnolia ‘Vulcan’

One of the darkest red Magnolias, ‘Vulcan’ is a striking deciduous shrub or small, elegant tree with rich, ruby-red flowers. Blooming in early or mid-spring before the foliage emerges, the magnificent, cup-and-saucer-shaped blossoms are huge, 10-12 in. across (25-30 cm), heavily-textured and create one of the most beautiful sights when in bloom. Fragrant, each bloom counts up to 12 outward curved tepals which are adorned with a touch of white. The foliage of large, obovate leaves is mid-green. ‘Vulcan’ features an upright, narrow habit, particularly when young, making it ideal for small gardens. It starts blossoming at a very young age, with blooms more pink than red but as ‘Vulcan’ matures, its blossoms get redder and redder.

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 with an upright habit when young, but becomes more rounded with age. Can reach up to 15 ft. tall (5 m) and 10 ft. wide (3 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 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