Magnolia kobus

One of the earliest magnolias to flower in spring, but does not flower well when young.  Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. It is tolerant of high pH, the cold, and most soils.  Generally intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet). Intolerant of most urban pollutants. It is easy to propagate from cuttings and is relatively pest free. Best sited in a location protected from high winds, but generally avoid southern exposures in full sun where the buds may be induced to open too early in late winter. Among magnolias, this species is one of the earliest to bloom in spring. Propagate from cuttings.

As a tree, it is deciduous and pyramidal when young, maturing to a spreading, dense, conical or domed form that grows up to 49" tall. It is noted for its late winter to early spring bloom of goblet-shaped to cup-shaped, fragrant, often pink-tinged, white flowers (each to 4” across) which open in March or April before the foliage emerges. It may take up to 30 years for the tree to reach full flowering potentials from the seed. Leaves are attractive throughout the growing season, but produce little fall color (mediocre yellowish-brown). Trees flower poorly when young, and may need as much as 25 years before reaching best flowering status. Red seeds form in pods (to 3” long) that split open in fall, and are attractive to birds. Kobus Magnolia is similar to star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) except larger.

Quick ID Hints:

• Petals have a faint purple line at the outside base
• Flower has 6-9 spatulate-obovate petal segments
• Large creamy blooms appear on naked branches in the early spring
• Bruised stems have foetid, pungeant odor

More information on Magnolia.