Magnolia x kewensis 'Wada's Memory'

Japanese botanist Koichiro Wada helped introduce this magnolia to the Western world in 1959.  This cultivar was selected from the offspring of M. kobus × M. salicifolia.

Known to begin blooming at an early age, award-winning 'Wada's Memory' magnolia is a hybrid cultivar in the Magnoliaceae family.  A hint of orange blossom is in the air when this medium-sized deciduous tree produces its large 7" white flowers in the spring before the foliage appears.  The elongated petals are snow-white and similar to other star-shaped magnolias, but much larger.  The petals are horizontal when the flowers are fully open with the edges curling in a downward direction.

Its symmetrical pyramidal shape is quite different from other varieties of magnolia.  That and its tolerance of paving make it a great candidate as a street tree.

It is at its best when located in moist, slightly acidic, well drained, organically rich soil.  Doing poorly when situated with wet feet, proper drainage is a must for a healthy, robust specimen.  Full sun or bright shade is the preferred lighting.  

Mulch the surrounding area in the summer months to help retain moisture.  Care should be taken to not disturb the area around a newly planted tree.  Don't rake, dig, plant or conduct any other activities that will disrupt the soil until the tree has become established.

Pruning should be done in the summer months when the tree is in full leaf.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Insects to watch out for include snails, capsid bug and horse chestnut scale.  

Diseases can include gray mold, honey fungus, leaf spot and coral spot.  

Leaves can yellow due to an iron deficiency.

Late frosts can damage the early spring blooms.

More information on Magnolia.