Magnolia liliiflora
A compact, deciduous magnolia from China with goblet‑shaped purple‑pink flowers. Plants are usually multi‑stemmed and rounded, fitting small gardens and foundation beds. Bloom begins in April to May and may repeat lightly in mid‑summer. Sites with full sun to light shade and evenly moist, fertile, slightly acidic soil give best results. Shelter from strong winds and avoid heat traps that push buds too early in spring.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species (deciduous)
- Height × spread: 8 to 12 ft × 8 to 12 ft (2.4 to 3.7 m × 2.4 to 3.7 m)
- Bloom window: April to May; occasional summer rebloom
- Color & flower form: Purple‑pink outside, paler inside; goblet‑shaped
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: Zones 5 to 8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Shrub‑like habit smaller than most magnolias.
- Later bloom than star magnolia in many climates.
- Deep purple to reddish‑purple flower color uncommon in the genus.
- Can flower again lightly in summer.
Strengths
- Compact footprint for small sites.
- Showy spring display with distinctive goblet flowers.
- Often less prone to frost loss than the earliest bloomers.
Care in one minute
- Full sun to light shade; best bloom with more sun.
- Moist, fertile, well‑drained, slightly acidic soil; keep evenly watered.
- Mulch annually; keep mulch off trunks.
- Prune only after bloom to shape; avoid heavy pruning.
- Provide wind shelter to reduce bud damage.
Watch‑outs
- Fragrance reports vary by source and selection.
- Susceptible to powdery mildew by late summer in some climates.
- Late spring frosts can still damage buds and flowers.
- Avoid southern wall exposures that force buds too early.
Best uses (tags)
foundation, small gardens, specimen, hedging, spring interest
Provenance note
Native to China and widely used in breeding of modern magnolia hybrids such as Magnolia × soulangeana.
References
- NC State Extension – Magnolia liliiflora – https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-liliiflora/
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’
- Trees and Shrubs Online – Magnolia liliiflora
- ASPCA – Magnolia bush (Magnolia stellata) Non‑Toxic to Dogs & Cats
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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