Kobus Magnolia
Magnolia kobus (mag-NO-lee-ah KOE-bus)
Kobus Magnolia is a deciduous, flowering tree and one of the earliest magnolias to flower in spring, with the caveat that it does not flower well when young. It can be grown as a large shrub or a medium sized tree and, as a tree, begins with a pyramidal form maturing to a branching, multi-stemmed, conical or domed form. Once mature, it can reach up to 30 feet tall with an equal spread. It is noted for its late winter to early spring bloom of cup-shaped, fragrant, often pink-tinged, white flowers that open in March or April before the foliage emerges. It may take up to 30 years for the tree to reach full flowering when planted from seed. The leaves are attractive throughout the growing season, but produce little fall color. The species name kobus comes from the Japanese kobushi, a word for fist in reference to the look of the opening flower buds. Kobus Magnolia is a hardy tree best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. It is tolerant of high pH, the cold, and most soils, but generally intolerant of extremely wet or dry soil and most urban pollutants. It is easy to propagate from cuttings and is relatively pest free. Because the branches tend to be brittle, it is best sited in a location protected from high winds. You also want to avoid southern exposures in full sun where the buds may be induced to open too early in late winter. These trees flower poorly when young and may need as much as 25 years before reaching best flowering status. Red seeds form in pods (to 3” long) that split open in fall, and are attractive to birds. Kobus Magnolia is similar to star magnolia ( Magnolia stellata ) except larger. Kobus Magnolia can be transplanted, however, the roots can be easily damaged and caution is advised. Quick ID Hints: Petals have a faint purple line at the outside base Flower has 6-9 spatulate-obovate petal segments Large creamy blooms appear on naked branches in the early spring Bruised stems have foetid, pungeant odor Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect pests. Because of the early blooms, a late frost can harm the flowers. More information on Magnolia .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 64 attributes.
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