Magnolia grandiflora 'EDITH BOGUE' southern magnolia, bull bay

This evergreen pearl among flowering trees is one of the hardiest southern magnolias ever selected. It was named after a lady from New Jersey, USA, who grew magnolias in her garden. One bad winter nearly all of them died. Only this one survived -30°C. So she decided to make cuttings and later on had it patented. I bet she is a millionaire now. Thanks to her effort we now have the best selection for colder areas of Europe. It is still hard to get hence the price but it is definitely worth it!

The blossoms are gorgeous. Flower petals are pure white fading to light creamy white, lemon scented, and about 30 cm across. They come out from the first hot days of June until the warmest days of September, sometimes October. Pollinated flowers make large cones with seeds that germinate more readily compared to difficult propagation by cuttings. The leaves are extremely glossy, deep green, with rusty pubescence on the undersides.

Bull bay magnolias are not tall trees in our climate but can be wide making a large crown. This selection likes to spread with its branches and although final size in maturity is not known yet it can make a tree with 4-5m wide crown. To enjoy its flowers we suggest growing magnolias as shrubs, leaving bottom branches on for the best flower display.

Find it a location with plenty of direct sunlight in summer, protected from cutting winds. It needs slightly acidic soil, very rich in humus, moist but permeable. Older, well established plants will benefit from clay in lower parts of ground.

This variety is extremely hardy but we still recommend protecting young plants with white woven on the coldest days of winter, when temperature drops below -20°C, FOR MAXIMUM 2 WEEKS, and in periods of strong sunlight and/or cutting wind. In winter provide extra watering in frost-free periods. Fully hardy to about -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 14-02-2008