It’s Labor Day weekend already! Where did the summer go? After broiling heat and a lashing by hurricane Ida last week, it’s wonderful to have cooler air and some upcoming blue skies to signal the change.
Unlike this past spring, my dwarf magnolia has been slowly budding up these last two weeks, preparing for a prolific repeat bloom.
This cultivar usually puts out just a few flowers at a time all summer, provided it gets plenty of moisture. Ida’s record deluge certainly gave it that. Now it’s putting on a show that surpasses last spring’s.
What a surprise! Who doesn’t welcome a magnolia in full flower in late August and September?
Magnolia Genie is not only a compact dwarf at 8 to 13 feet max, its flowers are positively ravishing. Upright pistachio buds open as burgundy tulips. As they age, the outer petals lighten and gently curl, looking for all the world like fat roses nestled all over the tree. The effect in strong sunlight is absolutely enchanting.
Genie is a relatively recent introduction from New Zealand, released there in 2006. Its availability in the States is still limited, but you can find it at select nurseries or online.
Besides being a good repeat bloomer, Genie exhibits robust foliage and early flowering. If spring frosts should happen to destroy early buds (as happened to me this year) you know you can count on more to come the same season. It’s the perfect size and habit for any suburban or city plot. It can even be grown in an extra-large patio pot.
In shade, the blooms don’t show very well because they are so deep in color, they get lost in the foliage. But in full sun, they look terrific.
I will start to train my tree’s form a bit better starting next year, but so far it’s been trouble-free. Just lovely! Something to celebrate as summer winds down.
