The Alba Superba magnolia is a medium to high variety with nicely shaped flowers in the form of tulips or cups that stand elegantly erect on stems. Flowers are white in colour, slightly pink at the base, and have a pleasant fragrance. This magnolia grows to 4-5 m high.
General description: Alba Superba usually grows as a large shrub with many erect stems. It grows slowly and on average reaches 5 m in height and 4 m in width. It reaches its target height after about 10 years. When leafless, this magnolia presents an interesting branch shape.
Flowers: Alba Superba has large flowers, set singly and erect at the ends of stems, composed of 3 sepals and 6-15 petals about 12-15 cm long. Petals are white but slightly pinkish at the base. The sweetly fragrant flowers have a tulip-like appearance. Alba Superba often repeats flowering in summer.
Blooming: Flowers appear at the turn of April and May, before the leaves develop. Such an early flowering time makes the flower buds vulnerable to spring frosts.
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: Alba Superba 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.
The Alba Superba magnolia is a medium to high variety with nicely shaped flowers in the form of tulips or cups that stand elegantly erect on stems. Flowers are white in colour, slightly pink at the base, and have a pleasant fragrance. This magnolia grows to 4-5 m high.
Betty is one of the most attractive varieties of magnolia. It’s delicate but it tolerates low temperatures very well. This variety has dark pink flower. Thanks to it being smaller than other varieties, it grows well in small home gardens. In 15 years reaches 3-4 m in height and a similar ...
The George Henry Kern magnolia is a relatively small plant, growing to 2-3 m in height which means it can be planted in small gardens or even in containers. It blooms profusely at a young age. It’s flowers beautiful and very showy, large, slightly fragrant, with 8-10 petals that are white ...
The Yellow River magnolia gives the impression of being extremely delicate. It impresses with its beautiful, fragrant flowers, which are intense yellow as buds and fade as they develop. Yellow River can repeat flowering in late summer. It's usually grown in shrub form. It reaches a height of ...
The Rosea star magnolia (Magnolia stellata ‘Rosea’) is a slow-growing, dense shrub with a rounded crown. It’s one of the most beautiful magnolias, with unusual star-shaped flowers. It’s the earliest-blooming magnolia variety and is a truly beautiful garden ornament. Rosea is a slow grower - ...