Magnolia 'SUNRISE'

Sunrise is a beautiful new magnolia from 2009. We could not trace any information about its breeder or patent, all we found was a note that it arrived from China which probably explains a lot. Nevertheless, we have a picture and know enough we need to present this novelty.

Sunrise Magnolia is a slow growing, compact shrub with unique flowers. They are goblet shaped, white inside and creamy white with light yellow hues outside, with distinct claret red triangle at the bottom of the calyx like a red flame. From the triangle top there may be a fine line leading upward to the top of the petal. Deciduous leaves are fresh green, medium-sized, obovate. Its ultimate size is not known yet, most producers recon it will be about 2m tall.

Magnolias are not supposed to be pruned. You can prune old shrubs if ill, or trim them to shape or to reduce size, or make an elementary cut to young plants of unsightly or unhealthy appearance. Do this as soon as possible after flowering to secure setting of flower buds for the following year. Be aware that each magnolia can respond differently to pruning.

Deciduous magnolias are quite easy plants. All they need is light, well-drained, acidic soil with equal moisture throughout the year. Once established they can do with occasional drought but will not look as nice as the ones with regular watering. Just pay attention to how to plant your magnolia. First, find it a spot where it will live forever and ever. It does not like transplanting. And as it makes shallow roots reaching well over its spread stay away from disturbing the roots by digging or messing about around it. Just cover the soil with bark mulch and do not plant anything else near it after say the second year after planting onwards. You could damage the very important top roots that absorb maximum moisture and nutrients from the soil. Also avoid planting magnolia too deep. Thus you could be digging its grave. Expected hardiness is between -25 and -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 04-01-2012; 03-02-2016