Gardening Hardy magnolias in northern gardens Magnolias are aristocrats among trees, legendary in southern regions and now hardy in the north. Best of all, their original tall and wide proportions have been scaled down, and new flower colours have been introduced for surprising effect in spring. In summer, their light and bright green foliage stands out against darker cedar and yew hedge backgrounds for season-long value. A series affectionately known as ‘the girls’ (‘Ann’ ‘Betty’, ‘Jane’, ‘Judy’, ‘Pinkie’, ‘Randy’, ‘Ricki’’ and ‘Susan’) was bred by the U.S. National Arboretum to fit into small-garden venues. Their branch structure is reduced to small-scale, shrub-like trees from six to 18 feet in height, with increased cold tolerance and luxuriant flower display. Their blooms appear from prominent silver buds on bare branches carried through winter and opening two to four weeks later than the familiar Magnolia x soulangeana (recognized by its large, cup-shaped pink flowers). The later bloom schedule of the new series allows their flowers to avoid late spring frosts, and the trees will also open sporadic flowers throughout the summer months. Flowers of these small-scale magnolia hybrids reflect their Magnolia lilliiflora genetics. The medium- to large-scale blossoms are moderately lemon scented, with narrow, strap-form petals requiring no need to sweep them up from lawns. Colours range from deep reddish-purple to pink-and-white, and include attractive bicolours. The trees prefer consistently moist organic soil amended with peat moss at planting time and will accept both full sun and partial shade. They are cold tolerant in hardiness zones four and five and, if purchased in a local plant nursery, they should be reliably hardy in your area. Unique trees for the north These warm summer days at home are an opportunity to discover aristocratic magnolias with unique, surprising colours. And to ensure that summer flowering plants continue into autumn, now is the time for some tender loving care. Magnolias "Susan" 44 | www.snowbirds.org
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