Lily Magnolia Magnolia liliiflora

The lily magnolia is a slow-growing, ornamental, deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows 8 to 12 feet tall and equally as wide. It is multi-stemmed, spreading, and rounded. This plant is one of the smaller species found in the Magnolia genus. In the spring, goblet or lily-shaped flowers appear and have 6 to 7 tepals that are purplish-red on the outer surface and white on the inside. They typically bloom shortly before the foliage appears, and sporadically may repeat bloom in the mid-summer. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface,  ovate to obovate, and pubescent beneath.

It is native to South-Central and Southeastern China and grows on slopes and forest edges in the wild. It has also been cultivated in Japan. It is planted as an ornamental in North America and Europe, but it is uncommon in our landscapes. The hybrids or cultivars are a better selection than the species. 

The genus name, Magnolia, is in honor of Pierre Magnol, a French botanist from the 17th century. The specific epithet, liliifora, means flower like a lily

The lily magnolia is best grown in full sun to partial shade, and in organically rich, neutral to slightly acidic, medium moisture, and well-drained soils, It appreciates a root-zone mulch to help retain soil moisture. It also appreciates a location protected from strong winds. It is also best to avoid warm southern exposures which may promote premature bud opening in spring. The fleshy root system is easily damaged during transplanting, so it is best to select a landscape location carefully and leave this magnolia undisturbed once planted. Prune as needed immediately after flowering. It usually requires little pruning other than the removal of dead or damaged branches.

The lily magnolia has been commonly crossed with the Yulan magnolia, and the result is the saucer magnolia. ‘Susan’ is a cross between M. liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and M. stellata ‘Rosea’. It is part of the Little Girl series (‘Ann’, ‘Betty’, ‘Jane’, ‘Judy’, ‘Pinkie’, ‘Randy’, ‘Ricki’ and ‘Susan’) of hybrid magnolias that were developed at the National Arboretum in the mid-1950s by Francis DeVos and William Kosar. Plants in this series flower about 2 to 4 weeks later than M. stellata and M. x soulangeana, thus reducing the risk of damage to flowers from late spring frosts. ‘Susan’ is primarily noted for its compact shrubby habit, fragrant fuchsia flowers, and late bloom (mid-April to early May).

The lily magnolia is a nice compact shrub or small tree for a sunny area of the landscape. Consider planting a cultivar or hybrid as an accent, specimen, screen, or informal hedge.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring     Foliage:  Spring and Summer

Quick ID Hints:

• large shrub or small tree, deciduous, 8 to 12 feet tall and wide, multi-stemmed, rounded, and spreading
• goblet or lily-shaped flowers, 6-7 tepals, purplish-red on the outer surface and white on the interior
• floral buds are pubescent, smooth, and point toward the apex 
• dark green, ovate to obovate leaves, 4 to 8 inches long and 2 to 5 inches wide, simple, alternate, pubescent undersides

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The Lily Magnolia has no serious insect or disease problems.  Potential insect pests include horse chestnut scales, snails, and capsid bugs. It is susceptible to powdery mildew, coral spot, gray mold, honey fungus, leaf spots, and lime-induced chlorosis. The flowers of this plant may be damaged by late frosts.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Magnolia.