Magnolia 'Elizabeth'
Details
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Tried and True Recommended by 6 Professionals
Common Name: magnolia
Type: Tree
Family: Magnoliaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 20 to 35 feet
Spread: 12 to 20 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Tolerates: Air Pollution
Uses: Flowering Tree

Culture

Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Plants appreciate consistent and regular moisture throughout the year, and are intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet). Generally intolerant of most urban pollutants. Grafted plants may bloom as early as the 3rd year.

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘Elizabeth’ is a deciduous pyramidal magnolia tree that grows over time to 20-35’ tall and features fragrant yellow flowers in early spring. It is a cross between cucumber tree (M. acuminata) and Yulan magnolia (M. denudata). It was patented by the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in 1977. Yellow flowers (each to 3” across) have tinges of yellow green near the bases. Flowers bloom at the twig tips as the new leaves begin to unfurl (late March – early April in St. Louis). Flowers are usually sterile. Obovate, large green leaves (4-9” long) have entire margins. Cone-like red fruits infrequently appear. Genus name honors Pierre Magnol, French botanist (1638-1715). Plant Patent PP4,145 was issued November 8, 1977.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Late frosts may damage flowers.

Garden Uses

Excellent specimen for sunny areas in the landscape where spring flowers can be appreciated.

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