Magnolia liliiflora aka Lily Magnolia

Taxonomy

Magnolia liliiflora, also known as Mulan magnolia, purple magnolia, red magnolia, lily magnolia, tulip magnolia, and woody-orchid, is a small tree native to southwest China but has been cultivated in China and Japan for centuries. It was introduced to English-speaking countries from Japan, hence the name Japanese magnolia, although it is not native to Japan. This deciduous shrub, sometimes reaching a height of 4m, blooms profusely in early spring with large pink to purple showy flowers before the leaf buds open. The cultivar 'Nigra' has gained recognition for its deeper-colored flowers. Magnolia liliiflora prefers acid or neutral soil and can thrive in full sun or light shade. It is often planted as an ornamental in North America and Europe, though its hybrid, the saucer magnolia, is more popular. This species is also one of the parents of the saucer magnolia, with the other parent being the Yulan magnolia. The lily magnolia, as it is commonly called, is a large deciduous shrub that produces pink or reddish-purple blossoms in April and early May. It is favored for informal screens or hedges and its spring flower display. Growing up to 8 to 12 feet in height with a similar spread, it has a compact rounded form and displays lily-shaped flowers with six or seven petals, each petal measuring 3 to 4 inches long. The shrub's dark green leaves appear as the flowers fade, and it is often grown as a specimen or accent plant in sunny areas.

Common names

Lily Magnolia, Purple Magnolia, Red Magnolia

How to care for Lily Magnolia

Difficulty

Lily Magnolia requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Lily Magnolia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lily Magnolia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Lily Magnolia requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Lily Magnolia will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Lily Magnolia is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Lily Magnolia’s native range is E. Asia - C. China.


More info:
Wikipedia