General description: Rosea flowers earliest of all the magnolia varieties, in early April. It blooms abundantly and often already in the second year after planting. The bark on young branches is fragrant and quite aromatic.

Flowers: Rosea has very ornate, slightly pink, star-shaped flowers with numerous, long and narrow petals. The flowers reach 15 cm in diameter and are strongly fragrant.

Blooming: Rosea flowers earliest of all the magnolia varieties, in early April. It blooms abundantly and often already in the second year after planting. Towards the end of blooming, the flowers turn white and set decorative seeds.

Leaves: This variety has large, green leaves that turn yellow in autumn.

Cultivation requirements: A secluded position, sheltered from frosty winds and in good sunlight, is most suitable for growing magnolias. Alternatively, a slightly shaded spot may be chosen. However, in shady locations magnolias bloom very poorly. Moist, permeable, humus soil with a slightly acidic pH is best for magnolias.

Care: After planting, the earth around the seedling should be mulched with conifer bark or peat. This will protect the roots from freezing and the soil dry out more slowly. When choosing a place to plant magnolias, it’s worth remembering that the root system is shallow and roots are very fragile and sensitive to damage, so later replanting of an already growing plant to another place will not be possible.

Pruning: Magnolias do not need pruning. Only dried or frozen tips may be cut after winter, if desired.

Overwintering: Rosea is resistant to frost (hardiness zone 6b). Young magnolias are sensitive to harsh frosts, but older magnolias tolerate them well. For safe and secure flowering, protecting young seedlings before winter by piling a mound of soil and a thick layer of bark or sawdust around the plant’s base is highly recommended and it’s advised to then cover the whole seedling with spruce branches or straw. Older plants do not need this.

Origin: Japan.