Magnolia ‘Jane’

Magnolia ‘Jane’

Characteristics

Culture

Magnolia ‘Jane’ is best grown in organically rich, neutral to slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Appreciates a root-zone mulch to help retain soil moisture and also appreciates a location protected from strong winds; but avoid warm southern exposures which may promote premature bud opening in spring. Fleshy root system is easily damaged during transplanting, so it is best to select a landscape location carefully and leave this magnolia undisturbed once planted. Prune as needed immediately after flowering. Usually requires little pruning other than removal of dead or damaged branches.  ‘Jane’ is a late-blooming magnolia that is less apt to suffer frost damage in spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The genus Magnolia consists of about 100 species (plus numerous additional hybrids and cultivars) of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs.

‘Jane’ is a cross between M. liliiflora ‘Reflorescens’ and M. stellata ‘Waterlily’. It is part of the Little Girl Series of hybrid magnolias that were developed at the National Arboretum in the mid-1950s. It flowers about 2-4 weeks later than other magnolias thus reducing the risk of damage to flowers from late spring frosts. Magnolia ‘Jane’ is primarily noted for its compact, upright habit, large reddish-purple flowers with white interiors and late bloom.. It is a slow-growing, multi-stemmed, small, deciduous tree that typically rises over time to 15’ tall with a spread to 12’ wide. The cup-shaped flowers (to 4″ diameter) are reddish-purple with white interiors. Flowers bloom shortly before the foliage begins to appear. Flowers may sporadically repeat bloom in mid-summer. The eaves emerge with copper-red tints in spring, turn dark green by late spring and finally acquire yellow to bronze-copper tones in fall.

Problems

Potential disease problems include leaf spots, anthracnose, canker, dieback and powdery mildew. Potential insect problems include weevils, snails, scale, and thrips.

Garden Uses

This compact flowering tree makes a great addition to any courtyard, patio, or small space in the garden. Beautiful specimen flowering shrub for lawns, foundations, shrub borders or woodland peripheries. May be grown as a tall informal hedge.