Magnolia 'MARCH-TILL-FROST' (May-to-Frost) magnolia

This magnolia is a cross of crosses ... mathematically it is: (magnolia liliiflora x magnolia cylindrica) x magnolia „Ruby“ (which is a hybrid itself), bred by August Kehr in 1997. The result of this rather bizarre looking equation is a gorgeous speciality which is true to its name as it can bloom several times throughout the growing season. In 2010 it was decided for the original name May to Frost to be replaced with March-till-Frost which is more accurate for milder parts of Europe.

The flowers of March-till-Frost magnoliaare smaller than tulip magnolias, but still have the shape. They seldom open up entirely though. Their colour is deep purple red on the outside and almost white inside. The leaves are dark green, rather stiff for a deciduous plant, and wavy.

Now, something about its prolonged flowering. It starts flowering almost at the same time as the earliest star magnolias and tulip magnolias. The first flowers appear on bare branches around mid April, usually from 15th to 20th. They continue popping up for about a month, last of which are present on the plant along with new leaves. Then comes a pause during which new series of buds are developing. Another flush of flowers can be expected in early July and depending on plant’s age and strength they are followed by individually formed buds that burst out throughout the summer; or the early July set of flowers is followed by another pause and the last set of flowers comes in late August/early September. Each plant behaves differently so do not expect a tight plan they would keep up to.

This variety grows very slowly and forms a dense shrub already when young. There is usually a flower bud at the end of each branch so we strongly discourage from any form of pruning. The ultimate size has not yet been observed.

Deciduous magnolias are quite easy plants. All they need is light, well-drained, acidic soil with equal moisture throughout the year. Once established they can do with occasional drought but will not look as nice as the ones with regular watering. Just pay attention to how to plant your magnolia. First, find it a spot where it will live forever and ever. It does not like transplanting. Stay away from disturbing the roots by digging or messing about around it as it makes shallow roots reaching well over its spread. Just cover the soil with bark mulch and do not plant anything else near it after say the second year after planting onwards. You could damage the very important top roots that absorb maximum moisture and nutrients from the soil. Also avoid planting magnolia too deep. It is hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 16-01-2012