The Girl Magnolias |
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Botanical Name: Family: Magnoliaceae Hardiness: U.S.D.A. Zones 3 - 8 Development: ''The Girl Magnolias'' are selections resulting from controlled pollinations of Magnolia liliflora 'Nigra' by M. stellata 'Rosea'; M. liliflora 'Reflorescens' by M. stellata 'Rosea'; and M. liliflora 'Reflorescens' by M. stellata 'Waterlily'. The crosses were made at the U.S. National Arboretum in 1955 and 1956 by William F. Kosar and Dr. Francis de Vos. All are F1 hybrids and reported to be sterile triploid selections. These plants were selected and named by William F. Kosar. Released 1968. Significance: These magnolia selections bloom two to four weeks later than M. stellata and M. x soulangiana, reducing the possibility of late spring frost damage. Plants produce flowers with a variety of tepal colors from reddish-purple to pink on white. The unexpected sporadic summer bloom adds landscape interest. Culture: Plants grow best in full sun to light shade; prefer loam soil with adequate moisture; tolerate poorly drained, heavy clay soils or dry areas. Propagation: Root from semi-hardwood cuttings, under mist, 4000 ppm IBA quick dip, in 8 weeks. Landscape Use: Specimen plant or mass planting in open recreation areas, industrial parks, or in the home garden. Locate to accentuate floral display, silvery gray bark, multi-stemmed habit, and winter architecture. Source: U.S. National Arboretum |