Magnolia 'DAPHNE'

If you like the spring profusion of blooming magnolias, look at this yellow rarity. Probably the best yellow magnolia so far was raised by a Belgian breeder, Philippe de Spoelberch. It is a cross between ´Miss Honeybee´ a ´Gold Crown´.

It is called Daphne. Its flowers are deep yellow, long lasting, born upright at the tips of each branch, and although the tepals are narrow and short it does not belong to the star-magnolias group. It blooms already as a young shrub, later than early varieties, often along with the leaves which enhance the flower display creating an impressive, bright green background. It is a compact, medium to slow growing shrub, suitable for small gardens.

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. And 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. It is fully hardy to -27° or 29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update: 19-01-2009