Magnolia 'SPECTRUM' magnolia

Spectrum is a magnolia hybrid from 1963. It was bred by W.Kosar from the US National Arboretum as a cross between magnolia liliiflora Nigra and magnolia sprengeri ‘Diva’. The result is a reasonably vigorous tree magnolia with liliiflora type, slightly fragrant flowers that are rich purple pink outside and almost white inside. No seed production. Leaves are large, deep green, ovate, deciduous. The habit is quite symmetrical, like a cone with rounded base.

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. It is hardy to about -26°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 19-02-2015