Genie Magnolia – Tulip Tree

Magnolia soulangeana x lilliflora ‘Genie’ PP# 20,748 – (Single-Trunk)

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Flowering Shrub or Small Tree

Height at Maturity: 10-12′

Width at Maturity: 5-6′

Growth Habit / Form: Upright

Flower Color: Dark Maroon-Purple

Flower Size: Large, 5″+

Flowering Period: Early to Mid Spring and then repeats in Mid Summer

Flower Type: Semi-Double

Fragrant Flowers: Yes

Foliage Color: Green to Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, Morning Shade with Evening Sun

Water Needs: Average, Low when established

Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand (amended), Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (Acid to Slightly Acid)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Drought, Heat, Humidity, Insect

Description

Not sure if this is what this incredible tree was named for, but if a genie granted you three wishes for outstanding qualities in a tree, the ‘Genie’ Magnolia might just be it! Very easy to grow and care for, a smaller stature that is a perfect fit for smaller spaces and patio or balcony containers, and last but not least its almost black buds that open to 6-inch diameter, fragrant, voluptuous, deep maroon-purple tulip shaped spring flowers that come again in mid summer are what all us plant enthusiasts are looking for. This one blooms at a very young age so you’ll be sure to have many flowers the first spring on the larger size older trees we grow. An incredibly eye-catching tree that deserves a spot in every garden where it will grow. USDA Zones 5a to 9b.

Plants are not only compact and easy to manage, but they also flower at a young age, so the plant is great for ‘impatient gardeners’ like me!

Landscape & Garden Uses

With an upright habit and rounded form 12 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide, the Genie Magnolia is ideal for use as a specimen shrub or small tree in sunny landscape and woodland borders. Also an excellent corner plant or against a large open wall in home foundation plantings. As the plant grows taller the lower branches can be removed to form a highly attractive tree for use as a focal point specimen. Can also be grown in large pots, planters and containers of 18 inches or more in rim diameter. A fine addition to purple theme gardens, fragrance gardens, cut flower gardens and cottage gardens.

Growing Preferences

The Genie Magnolia is easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained acidic soil of average fertility and full sun to part shade. She prefers full sun for best flowering, however will handle some partial shade. In the deep South, some shade during the hottest mid-afternoon hours of summer will be appreciated. Avoid constantly soggy or wet soils. In alkaline soils, apply soil sulfur and/or chelated iron to increase acidity. Pruning usually isn’t necessary, however stray or damaged branches can be pruned immediately after flowering in spring. Feed after flowering in spring with a mild organic plant food or a well-balanced shrub and tree food containing iron or sulfur.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, prune, feed and water Southern Magnolia trees.

How To Plant & Care For Tulip & Star Magnolias

Plant Long & Prosper!

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