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Bloom calendar
Lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora)
Species (deciduous)
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)
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
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