One of the first Magnolias to be brought into cultivation,Magnolia liliiflora nigra is a hardy deciduous magnolia with masses of flowers from late winter to spring. The flowers are a light purple on the outside with a flushed pink interior. This is a long flowering species, in our garden flowers commence in mid to late winter and continue to summer, sometimes with a second flush in spring depending on the year.
Foliage is an attractive glossy green and Magnolia liliiflora nigra makes a great specimen plant, or it can be allowed to take a place towards the rear of the border. We say deciduous, however in mild winters this magnolia will hold its foliage. Growth rate is rather slow so advanced specimens will not be cheap.
Care and cultivation
A humus rich moist soil is best, once established little watering is required if you mulch well, except in particularly dry periods.
Dig in some well rotted compost and aged animal manure a month or so before planting, except in windy areas Magnolia liliiflora nigra will probably not need staking. Pruning is generaaly not required except for the removal of damaged wood. If you do need to prune carry out in early summer just after flowering.
Water in well with a liquid seaweed solution to help promote good root growth.
These trees are particularly long lived, they will reach around 2.5m in height and then seem to be happy to stay at that height.
Magnolia liliiflora nigra is available from the following nurseries
CNR Sherbrooke & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rds Ferny Creek. VIC 3786
Conifers, Magnolias, Maples, Dogwoods and Buxus.
www.conifer.com.au