Contents
Description
Magnolia Liliiflora, commonly known as the “lily magnolia,” is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It is native to Southwest China and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. The plant has a slow to moderate growth rate and reaches a height of up to 20 feet. It produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink or purple that have a sweet fragrance. The flowers are followed by cone-shaped fruits that contain reddish-brown seeds. Magnolia Liliiflora is a popular landscape plant and is suitable for use in borders, hedges, and as a specimen plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Magnolia |
Appearance
Magnolia Liliiflora has a bushy, rounded growth habit and typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet with a spread of 10-12 feet. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and oblong in shape, measuring 3-5 inches in length. The flowers are large, measuring up to 6 inches in diameter, and are cup-shaped with 6-9 petals. They appear in early spring before the leaves emerge and are followed by cone-shaped fruit that ripens in the fall. The bark is gray-brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and fissured with age.
Care Guide
Magnolia Liliiflora requires moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Soil: Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Magnolia Liliiflora is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Magnolia Liliiflora is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it may be susceptible to the following:
- Scale insects: These sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dieback. Control with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease causes wilting, yellowing leaves, and dieback. There is no cure, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
Magnolia Liliiflora is native to Southwest China and is commonly cultivated in temperate regions around the world. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels. The plant grows best in full sun to partial shade and can be grown as a specimen plant, in borders, or as a hedge.
Question and Answer
Q: When should I prune my Magnolia Liliiflora?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Can Magnolia Liliiflora grow in containers?
A: Yes, Magnolia Liliiflora can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Magnolia Liliiflora?
A: Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer, and repeat every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate Magnolia Liliiflora?
A: Propagate by taking softwood cuttings in early summer or by layering in late summer.
Related Plants
- Magnolia x soulangeana
- Magnolia stellata
- Magnolia grandiflora
- Magnolia virginiana
References
- “Magnolia liliiflora.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287580&isprofile=0&basic=magnolia%20liliiflora.
- “Magnolia liliiflora.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/3343/Magnolia-liliiflora/Details.
- “Magnolia liliiflora.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FP/FP09800.pdf.
