Magnolia 'OLD PORT' magnolia

Old Port magnolia is a Vance Hooper hybrid from 1992 when this cross of Sweet Simplicity seedling and magnolia liliiflora Nigra first flowered. It bears gorgeous, cup-shaped, firm flowers that open from deep purple red buds. The petals are purple red outside and almost white inside with some purple-pink veins and centre. Thanks to its second parent they came out in mid-magnolia season which is usually from early May in Central Europe when the risk of late frost damage is very limited.

Old Port grows slowly with many short branches bearing flower buds. The shape is somewhat rounded-conical. Magnolias are not supposed to be pruned. You can prune old shrubs if ill, or trim them to shape or to reduce size, or make an elementary cut to young plants of unsightly or unhealthy appearance. Do this as soon as possible after flowering to secure setting of flower buds for the following year. Be aware that each magnolia can respond differently to pruning.

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. As it makes shallow roots reaching well over its spread stay away from disturbing the roots by digging or messing about around it. 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. Thus you could be digging its grave. Expected hardiness in continental climate is min.-25°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 04-03-2012