Magnolia ashei

Ashe Magnolia is a large shrub or small understory deciduous tree with very large leaves, a broad, round top, and attractive white flowers. It grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet, sometimes reaching 35 feet, and a width of 8 to 10 feet. The flowers are large, white, and fragrant appearing in the spring.  It gives a tropical feel to any garden, and because it blooms later in the spring than other magnolias, the flowers are rarely damaged by frost. This is a rare species, native only to Florida, and closely related to Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla), which is taller and has larger leaves and flowers. The species name refers to William Willard Ashe, a pioneer forester of the United States Forest Service.

Plant Ashe Magnolia in the full sun to partial shade, in moist, well-drained, rich, acidic soil. It makes an excellent understory tree. This plant will flower at an early age (3 to 4 years).

You can propagate this plant by collecting ripe seeds (bright red, fleshy, oily, soft on the outside and stony on the inside) that have dried on the plant. Clean the seeds and store in moist sand or sphagnum moss in refrigerator for at least 60 days. Sow them in a moist potting medium. They may need stratification to germinate.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

Magnolia leaf miners (yellow poplar weevil) are an insect pest. Large leaves can be damaged by wind. The large leaves can be high maintenance in the fall and the branches are weak.

More information on Magnolia.