The Magnolia Grandiflora is the original form of the magnolia. Its shiny, leathery, rubber tree-like leaves as well as its large, pure white flowers stand out. It blooms in summer and is a real eye-catcher. Here are the most famous varieties.
Which Magnolia Grandiflora varieties are there?
The most famous Magnolia Grandiflora varieties are: 'Galissonière', 'Goliath', 'Bracken's Brown Beauty', 'Edith Bogue', 'Exmouth', 'Victoria', 'Little Gem', 'Blanchard' and 'Alta '. These varieties vary in size, flower color, winter hardiness and growth habit.
Magnolia grandiflora 'Galissonière'
This variety originally comes from France. It has been known since 1745 and is considered the most common variety of this species. Anyone who gets involved with it should keep in mind that it is sensitive to frost. It is the better choice for milder regions. But she can handle heat excellently.
Its growth takes on a pyramidal shape and is densely structured. It can grow up to 6 m high and 4 m wide. The citrus-scented flowers appear from July to August, grow up to 25 cm in size and are silky white in color.
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Goliath’
A second well-known variety is 'Goliath'. It grows loosely upright, is up to 8 m high and wide and has a closed, rounded crown. It usually keeps its shape and rarely needs to be cut. One of its most compelling features is that it flowers at a young age.
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’
This is one of the hardiest varieties of this species. If you live in a harsh location, this is a good choice. It is a selection from Ray Bracken's nursery in South Carolina. It has smaller leaves and flowers than the previous varieties. In addition, its leaves have a striking brownish coating and the growth is denser.
Other interesting varieties
Other varieties that are recommended are the following specimens. They are particularly impressive because of their winter hardiness:
- Magnolia grandiflora 'Edith Bouge': small, extremely hardy, light green underside of leaves
- Magnolia grandiflora 'Exmouth': slender crown, tolerates permanent frost, light foliage
- Magnola grandiflora 'Victoria': frost hardy down to -25 °C, compact, dense
These varieties are also popular:
- Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem': early flowering, compact, sensitive to frost
- Magnolia grandiflora 'Blanchard': Orderer in America, flowers up to 30 cm in size
- Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta': narrow leaves, columnar growth, easy to care for
Tips & Tricks
All grandifloras develop their flowers on last year's wood. Take this into account when cutting if you don't want to miss the flowers
