How to Grow and Care for Lily magnolia

Lily magnolia, also known as Japanese magnolia, Purple magnolia, Mulan magnolia, Woody orchid

Lily magnolia generally presents an easy care profile suitable for many garden enthusiasts. Key care points include ensuring well-drained soil for optimal growth and protection from harsh winters, as lily magnolia is susceptible to frost damage. Additionally, pruning should be conducted after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage future blooms. Regular watering and fertilization will support the health and vibrancy of lily magnolia's characteristic blossoms.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Lily magnolia

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5.5-7
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	5-9

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Varieties of Lily magnolia

Lily magnolia 'Satisfaction'

A cultivar of wood magnolia, lily magnolia 'Satisfaction' (Magnolia 'Satisfaction') is often known as the "tulip magnolia" for the appearance of its blossoms, which are large, fragrant and somewhat bell-shaped. The pink-tinted flowers appear in mid-spring and persist for about eight weeks. It can endure cold weather and frost, but strong surges of wind may damage the tree and kill the flowers.

Lily magnolia 'Nigra'

Lily magnolia 'Nigra' is distinct for its large, dark red-purple flowers. A cultivar of Magnolia lilliflora, its name comes from the Latin word for black, referring to its dark petals. This plant is prized for its showy flowers, which bloom in late spring, and can be used as an accent plant or a hedge.

Lily magnolia 'Betty'

Lily magnolia 'Betty' has a girl's name since it was developed during the 1950s as part of the ‘Little Girls series of Magnolia hybrids at the National Arboretum. It is a typically sized Magnolia shrub with characteristic two-colored flowers that shade from an off-white interior to reddish-purple exteriors.

Lily magnolia 'Iolanthe'

Lily magnolia 'Iolanthe' is notable for the size and volume of its large pink-white tulip-shaped flowers, which bloom at an unusually early age. This hybrid is named for the Gilbert and Sullivan opera of the same name. This is an attractive specimen tree or tall garden shrub.

Lily magnolia 'Judy'

Lily magnolia 'Judy' is a hybrid magnolia, bred from Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea.’ It is part of a series of hybrids known as "The Girls." This shrub magnolia is known for its compact growth habit and gorgeous reddish-purple flowers with 10 tepals. The flowers are creamy-white inside. It blooms in mid-spring, reducing the chance of frost damage.

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More General Info About Lily magnolia

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Lily magnolia is a deciduous plant that fluctuates between a large shrub and a small tree, with typical heights and widths ranging from 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters). It sports a rounded and multi-stemmed silhouette with a propensity to spread. In early spring, the plant showcases eye-catching, goblet or lily-shaped flowers bearing 6 to 7 tepals that contrast strikingly with purplish-red exteriors and white interiors. These blooms precede the foliage, which are dark green, ovate to obovate leaves, measuring 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) in length and 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12.5 centimeters) in width, with a pubescent texture on the underside.