Species magnolia
pink-white flowers with dark-brown stems, and glossy, green, oblong leaves

magnolia

Magnolia 'George Henry Kern'

Magnolia 'George Henry Kern' is a magnificent and breathtakingly beautiful plant featuring large, white fragrant flowers and dark green waxy foliage. A large and fast-growing variety of magnolia, it has a spread of 8-12 ft and a height of 8-10 ft when mature. The bright and fragrant flowers bloom in early spring, and their scent can be experienced from far away. It is a popular ornamental choice, providing a unique and beautiful presence to any garden or landscape. It has a low maintenance requirement and prefers well-drained soil and full sun, and is tolerant to colder temperatures. A show-stopping beauty, it is sure to be the centrepiece of your outdoor space.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water your Magnolia 'George Henry Kern' plant every 7 days, using 1 gallon per week for every foot of height your magnolia bush has. If your plant is 2 feet tall, 2 gallons of water should be given every week. If there is less than an inch of rain during a week, you should increase the amount of water accordingly. Be sure to water deeply; using a soaker hose to ensure adequate saturation can help. During the summer, you can also apply a slow-release fertilizer once a month.

sunlight

The Magnolia 'George Henry Kern' plant species prefers a bright location, but not direct sunlight. The best light for this species is morning sun with some afternoon shade. Place this plant in a location that gets a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day, especially in the spring and summer. However, try to avoid direct sunlight from the most intense hours of the day (10AM to 4PM). During the winter months, this species thrives best with bright indirect sunlight.

pruning

The Magnolia 'George Henry Kern' should be pruned lightly to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches during the winter months when the tree is dormant. To maintain its size and shape, light pruning can be done annually after flowering in late spring or early summer. Prune only as much as needed, and never remove more than 1-third of the crown to keep the tree in balance. Care should be taken to always prune t the branch collar, as this is an important part of the tree’s natural defense system. Additionally, avoid pruning the tops of the branches to keep the tree from becoming lop-sided.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Magnolia 'George Henry Kern' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Magnolia a deciduous or evergreen plant?

Magnolia is a deciduous plant, meaning it drops its leaves annually. It is part of the Magnoliaceae family and has over 80 species found in the Northern Hemisphere. The large, showy flowers bloom in a wide range of colors from white to purple and appear before the foliage emerges in the spring. Depending on the species, some Magnolia trees may hold their leaves through the winter and drop them just before new growth emerges in the spring.

Are all Magnolia flowers fragrant?

No, not all Magnolia flowers are fragrant. Some, like the Star or Saucer Magnolias, are fragrant while others, such as the Loebner Magnolia, are not. There are over 200 species of magnolias, and not every one produces a scented bloom. Some magnolia flowers, however, have an unmistakable sweet smell. It is best to do research on the species of magnolias you are growing to determine if its flowers are fragrant or not.

Is Magnolia a good plant for attracting wildlife?

Yes, Magnolia is an excellent plant for attracting wildlife. Not only does it provide bright and fragrant blooms for pollinators to enjoy, but its large leaves provide protection for birds seeking a safe place to nest. Its multiple saucer-shaped blooms open up quickly in early spring, in turn providing a rich source of nectar for a variety of bees and butterflies. Additionally, many Magnolia trees produce a sweet sap that can be used to attract hummingbirds and other birds that are especially fond of the sugary treat.

Are there different varieties of Magnolia?

Yes, there are different varieties of Magnolia. There are more than 100 species of Magnolia that have been identified. These different types of Magnolias vary in size, shape, colour and form, giving gardeners the opportunity to choose from a wide range of plants for their gardens. Popular varieties include the Southern Magnolia, Star Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia, Genus Magnolia and Umbrella Magnolia. Each of these varieties offer something different and beautiful for a variety of landscapes.

Can Magnolia be propagated by cuttings?

Yes, magnolia can be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the stems of juvenile (2 years old or younger) plants, making sure to include one to two nodes. The nodes are the small bumps located on the stem where leafy shoots will emerge. The cuttings should then be immediately placed in a damp potting medium, such as sandy soil. If desired, one can also dip the cutting into rooting hormone prior to planting to speed the growth of roots. Properly watered and placed in indirect light, the cutting should begin producing roots in 4 to 6 weeks.

Could Magnolia be trained to grow on a trellis?

Yes, Magnolia can be trained to grow on a trellis. Establish a strong and sturdy trellis in a spot with full or partial sun and make sure it is in an area with good airflow. Plant the Magnolia tree at least two feet away from the trellis. When it starts to grow and get tall, train it to grow up the trellis by tying stems to the trellis and pruning the lower branches off. With routine training and pruning, it can be trained to the shape and height desired in no time.

Can Magnolia tolerate drought conditions?

Yes, Magnolia trees can tolerate drought conditions. They have relatively deep root systems which help them access water that is deeper in the soil, and they are often more drought-tolerant than many other plants. To help them during periods of drought, you should mulch around the base of the tree and keep it well-watered.

Can Magnolia be grown in a coastal area?

Yes, Magnolia can be grown in a coastal area. It is tolerant of salt spray and wet soils, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens. Magnolia prefers well-drained soils, with pH levels of 6 to 7. When planting near the coast, make sure to select a variety that is suited to your climate and and give it plenty of space to grow. Using organic mulch and watering deeply during dry periods can also help protect the tree and keep it healthy.